Years ago, during my software engineering 'apprenticeship', as it were, in California's Silicon Valley, I was introduced to Aussie Pie. Aussie Pie is a savory meat (beef, usually), onion, and gravy filling stuffed into a pie crust. The typical Aussie pie is small enough to be picked up in one hand and eaten without ceremony or fanfare. In Australia, they're sold as fast food and eaten like we eat hamburgers here in the U.S.
My acquaintance with Aussie Pie dates back to the late 1980s. Being an inveterate foodie - always have been, always will be - I knew what Aussie Pie was, and based on the ingredients, I knew that I'd probably like it. Therefore, when I read that an Australian firm was introducing Aussie Pie on a test-marketing basis on the West Coast, my interest was piqued. When Aussie Pie finally arrived on the scene, I was not disappointed. I was a bit surprised, however, because the advanced publicity had not proclaimed "coming to a 'ptomaine trunk' near you!"
That's right. The first Aussie Pie I ever ate I purchased from a cold-serve vending machine. I had to 'nuke' it to warm it up, but the flavor, texture, and mouth-feel were to die for. In short, it was the complete package, and I've been a fan ever since.
Now you may ask - and with good reason - just what in the world does the abovegoing 'war story' have to do with Southern home cooking? Well, the answer is absolutely nothing. But I've been thinking and remembering about Aussie Pie now for the last couple of days, and I'm thinking I'll take a crack at making Aussie Pie myself. I'll let you know how it turns out, and over the course of the next few days, I'll describe my labors (and recipe) in detail, which will lead (hopefully - keep your fingers crossed!) to my ultimate triumph.
Happy cooking!
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