We always make our own mince pies, no need for shop bought versions.
We finally got round to making our own Christmas cards tonight, and also made our first batch of mince pies. Now I am normally not allowed near the kitchen because I am told I make too much mess, but I was allowed to work under supervision tonight!
Here are the results of my efforts. You will see that I overfilled one or two so they turned out a bit sticky. This is the best sort of mince pie. They are delicious!
The origin of the mince pie is thought to go back to the 13th Century when the European crusaders brought back spiced fruits from the middle east, however, some historians think it goes back even further to the Roman festival of Saturnalia.
Thanks to all for putting my last 2 shots on the PP. You can all come round to my house for a cup of tea and a mince pie :)
They look delicious Sean, a great success because they are not the easiest things to make! Could just chomp into one, yumm. Did you make your own mincemeat? I did! LOL! One-up-manship in the kitchen!
@tishpics Thanks Pat, no, Waitrose mincemeat. Still rather nice though, just putting the kettle on and making my lunch now, the tin will be one down shortly!!
I don't like mince pies but I still have fond memories of baking them with my friend. We used to come home from school when we were teenagers and bake for both our families. We'd alternate between houses. Her family liked minced tarts and scones (they were Irish). This shot brings those memories back to me!!
@kwind What a lovely memory to share Kim, thank you. Us of Irish descent do like our pastry for sure!! Watch out for another food shot and recipe on the next few days......
Oh well done you!!!!! haven't done any yet this yeas....usually i end up eating them as noone else seems to care for them terribly!!!! But you have inspired me .....so I'll add that on the very soon to do list!!
I'm the only one in our house who eat them too @ruthmouch - and I've almost finished eating the "test batch" my OH made on Monday!
Goood on ya Sean, they look great :)
So: can you PLEASE tell me. . .is there really meat in the mincemeat? And since you used "Waitrose" - does it have meat and does it come in a jar or can?
@lyno It usually contains suet, whether of the beef or ersatz vegetable variety, but no meat as such. Mostly dried fruit, candied peel, spices and brandy. Generally comes in a jar and will keep for ages like so many Christmas foodstuffs, given a judicious dose of ardent spirits to revive it.
Goood on ya Sean, they look great :)
@lyno It usually contains suet, whether of the beef or ersatz vegetable variety, but no meat as such. Mostly dried fruit, candied peel, spices and brandy. Generally comes in a jar and will keep for ages like so many Christmas foodstuffs, given a judicious dose of ardent spirits to revive it.