Winters in Wellington are nothing like winters in Edinburgh or Copenhagen. Locals may complain, but really, the (for me) 6 weeks of real winter are not that bad. What I notice most is that people don’t know how to dress for cold weather, except for donning a puffa jacket (the classic is this on top of shorts and jandals (flip-flops). Houses are also not built for cold weather, with many not having proper heating, so I guess that is quite a bit to complain about.
Regardless, the cold weather calls for cosy, comfort food. Last week, after being inspired by pie making on Australian Masterchef and a request from my husband, I made a mince and cheese pie. I am useless at making pastry, so used shop bought puff pastry for the top, and a shortcrust for the bottom. Of course, the shape of the pastry slices didn’t fit the pie dish, hence the line down the middle, but gosh it tasted so good! It was full of flavour and even better on day two. Not sure there was enough cheese….something that @kosmos_nz on Instagram would definitely have commented on (Komos is a local personality who is going round the country looking for the best mince and cheese pie.
I don’t work on Wednesdays, and met a friend for lunch at August, where I enjoyed this fabulous soup with chicken, mushrooms, kale, beans and lentils with some very good bread. On Friday, I picked up an egg salad and pickle sandwich from Dough Bakery, a firm favourite.
I made scones for the first time in months on Saturday for an afternoon treat. They turned out just right, and I had mine with some cherry jam and a cup of Earl Grey tea. Karl had merely butter. And yes, there will be something from Alison Roman this week.
Oooh I could go a mince and cheese pie… and that soup… and that sandwich!
Pie looks great! I love the rustic look, I can never quite throw bits of pastry away, so will make a shape and double up the layer