The Mince Pie is one of Britain’s favourite festive treats.
You can enjoy them warmed up with a cup of tea, or nice and cold with a glass of champagne.
They can also be enjoyed with brandy sauce or fresh cream
They used to be savoury
As the name might imply, once upon a time mince pies contained mincemeat mixed with alcohol, fruits and spices to help preserve it. As time went on, it became progressively sweeter until the mince was removed all together but the name remained.
They’re not actually British
While mince pies have been widely accepted as a British tradition, the idea actually started in the Middle East in the 13th Century. European crusaders returning to their homelands brought recipes that included meats, fruits and spices which inspired the notion for a mince pie.
They weren’t always called ‘mince pies’
Over the years, they’ve had a flurry of names including ‘shrid pies’ ‘Christmas pies’ ‘crib cakes’ and ‘mutton pies’. They were even called ‘wayfarers’ pies’ at one time, as they were given to visitors during the Christmas season.
They can bring bad luck
According to English tradition, superstition dictates that you must always stir clockwise when making mince pies. Apparently, stirring anti-clockwise will bring bad luck.
They can bring good luck too
If you eat a mince pie each day over the twelve day of Christmas it brings good luck for the year ahead.
According to tradition, you must make a wish when eating your first mince pie of the season.
Leftover Mince Pies
Use your leftovers in these tasty desserts
Trifle with a twist
Crumble mince pies and layer with vanilla whipped cream and fresh berries for a modern slant on a festive trifle.
Mince Pie Fridge Cake
If you can’t face another mice pie, turn them into a fridge cake.
Click here for the recipe courtesy of Tastemade
Easy Mince Pie Ice Cream
Smooth, creamy and studded with spiced fruits and crumbly pastry, this festive dish is the perfect way to use up any leftover mince pies. Easy to make, it’s a great no-fuss dessert, which children will love too.
Click here for the recipe courtesy of Good To Know
Merry Christmas and afiyet olsun.
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