Prepare to feel hungry: Here are the winners of Ballarat's Best Pie Competition
Ballarat has held its annual Best Pie Competition, and this year, bakers have pulled out all the stops.
Twenty-seven pies from venues in the Victorian city were judged, with five named winners.
Taking place over the weekend at local hotspot Hop Temple, with MasterChef Australia judge Sofia Levin hosting the awards ceremony, the competition was steep.
Read on to see the top five winning pies, and some honorable mentions...
Fifth place: Peasant's The Urban Shepherd Pie
Taking fifth place was Peasant's The Urban Shepherd pie.
It was made from layers of sliced potato, slow-cooked lamb, cheese fondue, potato puree and goat cheese baked in a shortcrust pastry.
Fourth place: 1816 Bakehouse's Beef Filet Mignon Pie
In fourth place was 1816 Bakehouse's Beef Filet Mignon Pie.
The crispy pie is made from beef ragu with sauteed mushrooms and streaky bacon, encased in house-made garlic butter pastry.
Third place: Flying Chillies Mum's Curry Laksa Pie
Adding a splash of spice to the competition was Flying Chillies Mum's Curry Laksa Pie.
Created from a blend of spices and coconut gravy, this pie is filled with chicken, prawns, tofu puff, egg, and fish cake.
Second place: 321 Cafe's Lamb Shank with Mustard Mash Potato Pie
Making it into the top two was 321 Cafe's Lamb Shank with Mustard Mash Potato Pie.
The pie is made from slow-cooked lamb shank with a medley of veggies and herbs, topped with creamy mustard mash potato.
First place: Itinerant Spirits' Wild Orchard Apple and Vansetter Vodka Pie
Taking the top spot was Itinerant Spirits's Wild Orchard Apple and Vansetter Vodka Pie.
