OK, let’s make sure our nannas never get a glimpse of this article. Having them find out that there are pie makers out there who can rustle up deliciously flaky pies that give their creations a run for their money may not be too great for us. I’m talking about the legendary Deguara Pies, the ones you can get from Deguara Confectionery in Swieqi. Having discovered them recently, I couldn't resist speaking to the master bakers to find out a little more about their baked goods.

Where did this mouthwatering adventure begin?

“As a family, the Deguaras have been in the catering business for years, with a marking date of 1950 as the earliest note to Anthony Deguara’s Valletta catering business that focused on baked goods. As the years went by and the business saw new generations caring for it, more love and education was poured into the bakery.

Our adventure in the catering field started off small yet successful, but over the years it has flourished into the household name that it now is. After Valletta’s success, the heart of Sliema was next on our list of triumphs. George and Martin Deguara were the foremost family members who invested their time in the business; taking the confectionery to the current (and loved) location of Swieqi.

Everyday brings a new challenge and even though we’ve been doing this for over 60 years, one thing stays true to our philosophy, and this is what keeps us going… our clients. We value our passion and dedication to the industry only by the culinary satisfaction of our clients - that’s why we bake.”

What makes Deguara pies so good?

“Our products are entirely made by hand; giving each pie, bake or sweet that homemade feeling and taste, filled with love and dedication. We prepare our products as though we’re making them for our families to enjoy; we use fresh, genuine produce and follow family recipes to keep the tradition alive. We keep quality high on our list - there are some 60 year old recipes being prepped, day in, day out; there’s been a lot of thought and time put into each of our products.”

Let’s play a game… I’m going to name one of your pies and you’re going to tell me what best to pair it with.

Spinach and Tuna Pie: “Probably a Kinnie, with a slice of orange.”

Chicken and Mushroom Pie: “Gravy, mash and more pie.”

Steak and Kidney Pie: “A tall pint of Guinness - nothing like it!”

Cottage Pie: Carb overload here: garlic bread to lap up all the juicy beef!”

Salmon Pie: “A glass of white wine. Most definitely a glass, maybe two.”

One last question. Besides your legendary pies, which of your other creations should fans try out?

“When people think of Deguara they mainly think of pies, and we’re so thankful for that! But we can rustle up more than a few pies in our kitchens. We have a full-on sweet section with our homemade gateaux as our tastiest creation! We have over 300 products to choose from in our little shop in Swieqi. And they’re all made in-house.”

So there you have it, a baked good mystery solved, one pie at a time. The Deguara crew have shared their bit... which one is your favourite?