Delicious pies for an autumn picnic

When the weather cools and the ovens fire up, there is nothing better than partaking in the concept of eating outdoors. We Aussies can do this in numerous ways: fire up the barbie, eat lunch on the back deck, sit on the front verandah eating sandwiches, or simply share a cake with the neighbour over the fence. 

But there is a different way to enjoy the outdoors: a picnic. 

History tells us that picnics are akin to the medieval practice of feasting on meats and pastries before hunting in the great outdoors. Haute cuisine tells us that picnicking became de rigueur in France after the Revolution. It was here that the French began eating outdoors in the newly-opened Royal Parks, exclaiming“‘pique un niche!” (“pick a place”) to one another. 

Picnic purists would probably say we adopted the outdoor eating tradition from the London Picnic Society. These were a set of forward-thinking alfresco diners who would meet in the gardens surrounding Oxford Street for eating, conversation and sunshine. Afternoon tea enthusiasts would say that this was the genesis of outdoor garden parties. The aristocracy cottoned on to the practice and saw it fit to set up their dining sets on tables in a meadow to enjoy the outdoor air. 

But these days, we aren’t hunting, nor do we have time to set up the fine china and candelabras outdoors. We want picnic foods to be simple to carry and easy to eat with your hands (especially if you’ve forgotten the biodegradable cutlery). These simple pie recipes are perfect for an outdoor occasion and don’t require additional cutlery or special table linens. Not only are they quick and simple to make, but they can be packed in aluminium foil so you can easily transport them to your venue. 

So, this weekend, whip up these easy pies, wrap them in foil and pack them in the wicker picnic basket. These simple, packable meals will make picnics outside that extra bit special. Pack a hot flask in the basket so you can enjoy these recipes with lots of warm cups of tea or coffee, too.

Then, grab the tartan picnic rug from the garage, find a tranquil spot in nature, and tell your loved ones to meet for a breath of crisp autumn air and some simple Aussie alfresco dining. 

These simple muffin pan tikka filo parcels are the perfect way to spend an afternoon snacking. They’re easy to make and serve 8. 

Try these delicious beef, bolognese and macaroni pies, perfect for the cooler months. They’re made using a jar of pasta sauce, feed 12 and take just 20 minutes in the oven. 

These slow-cooked Moroccan lamb pies will take your taste buds on a trip to Morocco with succulent lamb pies. They’re super simple to prep, and you can leave them in the oven for 2.5 hours.

The family will love these chicken picnic pies. They are little cheesy chicken parcel pies that will have everyone going back for more.

The sweet-tooths will love these pie maker apple pies, which will feed 8 or these pie maker mini custard sponge cakes, which are like a sponge cake in mini form. There’s custard powder in the cake and filling for extra lightness and flavour.