‘Why didn’t I think of that? The big idea that could have changed my life’

Feb 08, 2020
Jenny wishes she had come up with the idea herself, saying the financial windfall would be wonderful! Source: Getty Images

Browsing the internet recently and I came across an intriguing website. It’s called ‘Pie Maker Stuff’ (and no, this is not a promotion for it). I wish I’d thought of something like this! I reckon the person who came up with it must be on their way to millionaire-dom.

Anything with the word ‘pie maker’ is trendy right now. The pie maker frenzy I noticed last year appears to still be in full swing.

I must admit, I’ve made several things other than pies in my resurrected, 35-year-old pie maker. This pie maker, the one that sat sadly in my back shed all that time, has been given new life!

It has been given many tasks, quite different from the task it was originally purchased to do. It has performed admirably, and never once let me down. It may only have two pie wells, but that is sufficient for my needs as there is only one of me to cook for.

Getting back to the Pie Maker Stuff website though and on further examination I found I can buy silicone spatulas, wire cooling racks, pastry cutters, dough hooks, silicone mats on which to sit one’s trusty pie maker, bamboo skewers to help remove the pie or cake or scone or tart or quiche or pudding etc. once it has been cooked, recipe books, rolling pins in various sizes, containers for pie or left over pastry storage, all things pie … The list went on and on.

But hang on, who has left over pastry? I don’t! (I’m not ashamed to admit I eat any small bits, just like I did as a child.)

Perhaps I’m missing something, but I’m pretty sure all of these particular kitchen aids were available pre-pie maker frenzy days. Put the word pie maker in front of anything and you will be guaranteed a quick sale. In fact, your products will be sold out in no time at all and people will be lamenting the fact that they have to wait months for the site to restock all these wonderful things.

If one was looking to save themselves a dollar or two, browsing Kmart or any one of the stores that stocks kitchen aids would no doubt reveal exactly the same products, either on sale or at half the price.

Almost every store seems to have a pie maker on its shelves. I’ve seen all sorts, including sausage roll makers and ones that make diamond-shaped pies!

The stores are smart though. They just get enough in to whet the appetite of the throngs of pie maker addicts. The stores sell out quickly and then take some months to replenish their stock. Very clever thinking, this way there will always be a demand.

No doubt the person who started the Pie Maker Stuff website is going to do very well financially. I just wish I had thought of it before now.

Keen to share your thoughts with other 60-pluses? You can sign up as a contributor and submit your stories to Starts at 60. While you’re at it, why not join the Starts at 60 Bloggers Club to talk to other writers in the Starts at 60 community and learn more about how to write for Starts at 60. Community blogs published on the website go into the draw for some great weekly prizes.