It’s time to ditch the BBQ for the last of the summer pies!

PIES ARE FOR LIFE, NOT JUST FOR WINTER, SAYS PIE MASTER OF THE MIDLANDS

Pie, chips and a deliciously rich gravy – it’s the ultimate cosy comfort food. But while the dish might evoke images of cosying up on a chilly winter’s evening, one Black Country pie maker is flying the flag for the popular British comfort food as a summer dish arguing that there really is a pie for every season.

According to Peter Towler, owner of the world famous Mad O’Rourke’s Pie Factory in the Black Country and its sister company Mad Pies Online, it’s time we ditched the summer quiche and pushed the pork pies aside in favour of a proper British pie.

“In the winter, people love nothing more than tucking into a traditional pie, but when the mercury starts to rise pies seem to be off the menu until the colder weather hits. That’s not to say people are ditching the pastry all together though and people are more than happy to enjoy a slice of quiche with a salad or a pork pie on a picnic – why not just go the whole hog and have a proper pie?!”

So what’s the best pie for a balmy summer evening? According to Peter it’s about saving the steak for the BBQ and swapping to something a little lighter.

“A hearty steak pie is a classic. Whether it’s a slow cooked steak, steak and stilton or steak and kidney pudding, there’s no better winter warmer than dipping a crispy chip into a rich gravy. But when temperatures rise, a lot of people would argue that steak is best saved for the BBQ.

“A chicken pie can be a much lighter option for a warmer day. Something like our Hen Pecked chicken and mushroom pie with its classic creamy sauce is perfect. Swap the chips for some buttery new potatoes and you’re onto a winner. Or, why not go for something a bit spicier with a chicken curry pie like our Andy Murray Pie. Pair it with some salad, drizzle on some mint raita and make sure you’ve got some naan bread to mop up your curry sauce.” says Peter.

“Or you could really embrace BBQ season with a Hunter’s Chicken inspired pie? Our Tarzan pie is packed with slow cooked chicken breast, smokey bacon and a tangy BBQ sauce so you can enjoy all of the best bits of a summer BBQ in pie form.”

If chicken isn’t your thing, what else does Peter recommend to get a taste of the British summer?

“Veggies are at their best in the summertime so a nice veggie packed pie is another good option for the warmer evenings. With so much packed into a crispy golden pastry case, something like our Hippy Chick Pie with sweet potato, chickpeas, green beans, peas and broccoli in a fragrant Thai curry sauce, you won’t even need anything to go with it. Though, if you could be tempted, some crispy battered chips never go amiss”

So, there we have it. According to the Pie Master of the Midlands himself, it really is the last of the summer pies…

So to get a taste of the Black Country with one of the factory’s famous pies just in time for the upcoming heatwave, visit www.madpies.com to order a selection of classic flavours to be delivered to your door.