Samuel Gee Pies and Pastries wins big at Australia's Best Pie And Pastie Competition

The business in Balaclava took out the award for the best pastie in the Australia's Best Pie and Pastie Competition, which is held annually by the Baking Association of Australia.

The pastry, which features Feta, cheese, carmelised onion and a sweet potato fritter, was made at the last minute for the contest, and was initially meant to be a pie.

The happy accident was "already a good seller", seventh generation baker and shop owner Nerida Rudolph said.

Read also: Where to go for the Pop-Up Project this long weekend

The bakery's mushroom pie, and its vegetraian pie; which contains spinach, pumpkin and mushrooms, also won gold.

"It's awesome," Ms Rudolph said.

"We are getting better at what we do."

The three pastries will feature on the bakery's menu, as they were all awarded first place, and that is a competition requirement.

The bakery also won the gong for the best pastie in 2021.

The accolades were among 23 achieved by staff from the business.

SGPAP received 14 silver medals for its pies.

Read also: Where to travel in Australia this winter

The flavours included chunky beef, steak and cheese, bacon and cheese, Greek vegetable, chicken, Camembert and avocado, chicken and leek, steak and mushroom, mushroom, roast pork and lamb, meatloaf, brisket and mash, corned beef, and its pie with steak, caramelised onion and a sweet potato fritter.

This is the second time the roast lamb pie has been recognised - it was named the champion pastry at the Canberra Baking Show at the end of March.

The bakery's Cornish pastie and plain beef mince pies received bronze, and the chicken and mushroom pastie was given a merit.

First-year apprentice Annabelle Duff also won silver in the apprentice pie competition and bronze for her pastie.

"For me to be in my first year, it's more excellent to get that early on," she said.

Read also: Moss Vale Tennis Club top open its doors for a big open day

"I'm so proud of her and she makes everything herself from scratch," Ms Rudolph said.

Customers have the chance to try many of the award-winning flavours in Balaclava, as well as a couple of new ones.

Ms Rudolph said a brisket and mash and brisket and mac and cheese pies will be on the menu for the long weekend.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:

Make sure you are signed up for our breaking news and regular newsletters