The 2024 Meat Pie Festival du Pâté was a celebration of culinary creativity, community, and heritage, highlighting the beloved tradition of meat pies on Prince Edward Island. 2024’s festival journeyed through six regional competitions across the Island, culminating in an exciting grand finale at the Cymbria Lions Club in Rustico on December 15th. The festival’s two categories—Traditional Acadian Meat Pie and Non-Traditional Meat Pie—brought together home cooks and passionate pie enthusiasts from Rustico, Évangéline, DeBlois, Rollo Bay, Charlottetown, and Summerside. These talented individuals showcased their skills and love for this cherished Island staple, all while vying for the chance to be crowned the provincial champion. Celebrating the Winners The grand finale at the Cymbria Lions Club saw a full house of enthusiastic spectators and fierce competition from some of PEI’s most talented home cooks. Here’s a look at this year’s champions: Traditional Acadian Meat Pie 1st place: Krystal Horudko-Bingham 2nd place: Olivia Ellsworth-Wilson 3rd place: Ronnie Blacquiere Krystal’s winning recipe is steeped in family tradition. Inspired by a multigenerational recipe from her children’s great-grandmother, Regine Mullis, who brought it to Charlottetown in the 1960s, Krystal’s meat pie reflects the rich heritage of her family. “The recipe was passed down to me with no quantities—just the basics,” she shared. “I’ve learned to make it by sight, taste, smell, and feel, adapting it over the years with input from family and friends.” A sour cream pastry became one of her signature changes, ensuring a crust that was as dependable as it was delicious. For Krystal, the key to a perfect meat pie is twofold: using the best local ingredients and cooking with love. “I support local farmers as much as possible, and I’ve found that my baking turns out best when I’m happy and intentional.” Krystal’s journey to the top wasn’t a first-time success story. As a dedicated participant since the festival’s inception, she noted, “The first year, I placed first in Charlottetown but didn’t make it to the top three at the finals. Last year, I was honoured to win the finals. This year, I’m overjoyed to take home the title again.” Find the recipe here. Non-Traditional Meat Pie 1st place: Olivia Ellsworth-Wilson 2nd place: Greg Arsenault (La Rose Bistro) 3rd place: Alejandra Ferrada Olivia’s winning creation was inspired by her love of turkey dinners and the desire to make leftovers more versatile. Her innovative meat pie featured layers of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and creamy mashed potatoes, capturing the flavours of a festive family dinner in every bite. “The key to a non-traditional meat pie,” Olivia shared, “is thinking about how the components hold up while being cooked and reheated, and how they pair together.” As a first-time competitor in the festival, Olivia’s success is a testament to her creativity and culinary skill. Find the recipe here. A Festive Finale The grand finale was more than just a competition—it was a true Island kitchen party. Guests were treated to live music from talented local artists, including Richard Wood, J.J. Chaisson, and Megan Bergeron, creating a lively and celebratory atmosphere. Each attendee received hand pies courtesy of The Handpie Company, further adding a local touch to the evening. The judging panel—featuring chef Robert Pendergast, chef Ilona Daniel, and Nicholas Tomasic, manager of Abbiocco—had the difficult task of selecting winners based on taste, visual appeal, and creativity. Their expertise and passion for Island cuisine shone through as they crowned this year’s champions. Bringing the Island Together The Meat Pie Festival du Pâté brought together Islanders to celebrate culinary traditions, share family recipes, and showcase innovative creations. From the warm smiles at the regional competitions to the spirited applause at the finale, the festival highlighted the deep pride Islanders take in their culinary heritage. Congratulations to all participants, and a heartfelt thank you to the organizers, judges, and attendees who made this event a resounding success. Whether it’s a classic Acadian meat pie or a bold new creation, the 2024 Meat Pie Festival du Pâté proved that these humble yet delicious dishes hold a special place on Prince Edward Island. Let the legacy of Island meat pies inspire you in your own kitchen. Try your hand at Krystal’s Traditional Hand Pies or Olivia’s Christmas Dinner Pie—recipes that bring a taste of PEI’s culinary magic to your table! To stay in the loop on upcoming information around the Meat Pie Festival du Pâté 2025 – keep your eye on their website!