Country Cob Bakery has reclaimed its crown for Australia’s Best Mince Pie for the fourth year running.
The win was among five national titles and 14 gold medals for the Kyneton bakery at Australia’s Best Pie and Pastie Competition in Sydney.
This year’s Baking Association of Australia competition attracted almost 2000 entries nation-wide and Country Cob brothers, Ryan and Chan Khun, were the most decorated winners.
The family bakery claimed titles for best Australian: Flavoured Beef Pie, Vegetarian Pie and the Apprentice Beef Pie categories, as well as new competition category Best Mushroom Pie.
Bakers were required to use fresh mushrooms for the newest category and Country Cob delivered a mouth-watering ‘Mushroom Ragout Pie’.
It was made with a medley of mushrooms including Swiss brown, Portobello, king and mushroom cups; slow cooked in a mushroom stock to make a thick gravy, wrapped in golden pastry.
BAA executive officer Tony Smith said the competition was about more than just a delicious pie filling.
“Our expert judging panel evaluate the whole pie, from its appearance and structure, the pastry thickness, colour and mouthfeel, and the pie filling is judged on taste and overall creativity. Country Cob Bakery’s Mushroom Ragout pie was outstanding in all criteria,” Mr Smith said.
The bakery’s gold medal pies were: Char Siu Pork & Prawn Dumpling, Fish Amok Pie, Curry Scallop, Satay Seafood, Caramelised Pork & Pepper, Pepper Beef, Mince & Cheese, Cambodian Sour Beef, Plain Meat Pie, Chicken Briyani, Beef Rendang, and Mushroom Ragout.
Ryan Khun was pleased with this year’s string of awards, despite the celebrations being a little different to previous years.
“Usually when we announce we have won awards, we have a queue of customers out the door, which is not possible with the lockdown,” he said.
“But we have two Country Cob Bakery locations, in Kyneton and Boronia, so if you live in Melbourne’s CBD or in the local Kyneton area, we can deliver our award-winning pies to you. Visit our website to place your order!”
Country Cob will also open a third store in Springvale on Friday.
