Mincemeat and more…

I love mince pies. My mother made the best mince pies I have ever tasted. I’m on a constant quest to find others that taste as good! I also think Mince Pies are quintessentially British. While teaching in France, I made batches of mince pies for my students to taste. I had to rely on friends to bring jars of mincemeat if they were popping over from the UK!

The history of mince pies is fascinating. Originally, mince pies were savoury, and a different shape to those we eat today. In Tudor times they were rectangular, shaped like a manger, and often had a pastry baby Jesus on the lid. They were made from 13 ingredients, representing Jesus and his disciples.

Dried fruits like raisins, prunes, and figs were included, alongside lamb or mutton, symbolising the shepherds. Spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg represented the Wise Men. It was only later that the mince pie was round. Meat was no longer included in Victorian times.

I recently found some jars of mincemeat lurking in the cupboard. So I experimented with a new mincemeat and marzipan loaf cake recipe. This turned out to be delicious and easy to make. It disappeared so quickly that I didn’t have time to take a photo!

The recipe comes from a BBC Good Food Book – 101 Cakes and Bakes. I couldn’t find an online link but another blogger has shared the recipe: https://www.theenglishkitchen.co/2009/11/mincemeat-and-marzipan-teabread.html

I’d love to know if you are a fan of mince pies. It’s possible you’ve never tried one or even heard of them! Are there other festive treats you prefer?