Multiple outlets report on a set of “rule-breaking” winter meal ideas that do away with traditional pastry. Instead of rolling out a pie crust, the recipes use other, often simpler alternatives to create a golden topping or base. The articles describe winter dinners that aim to deliver the same kind of hearty, comfort-food appeal while reducing the time and effort associated with pastry preparation. Examples mentioned across the sources include using roti as a golden covering, as well as topping dishes with Jatz crackers. Another alternative described is potato scallops, which provide a different texture and presentation while still serving as the dish’s outer layer. Overall, the coverage frames the recipes as replacing pastry with readily available ingredients or easier-to-prepare components, with the goal of keeping meals rich and bubbling without the “faff” of traditional crust-making. The articles do not indicate changes to the underlying concept of pies or similar dishes beyond the crust/topping method, focusing instead on the substituted outer element.