What is the tradition of mince pies?
Mince pies were originally made to celebrate Jesus. They were oblong in shape to represent the manger that Jesus slept in as a baby and have a ‘pastry baby Jesus’ carved into the pastry. Traditionally one mince pie is eaten for the Twelve days of Christmas.
When did mince pies become sweet?
The mince pie began to get sweeter in the 18th century when, in a bitter irony, cheap sugar arrived from slave plantations in the West Indies.
Why are mince pies a Christmas tradition?
They became a popular treat around the festive period thanks to a tradition from the middle ages, which saw people eat a mince pie for 12 days from Christmas day to Twelfth Night. Doing this was believed to bring you happiness for the next 12 months.
Where did mince pies originally come from?
United Kingdom
Mince pie/Origins
Why do mince pies not have meat in them?
However, the modern mince pie is filled with a mixture of dried fruit and spices that is called ‘mincemeat’ but there is no meat in the mixture at all. In Tudor times mince pies were made from 13 ingredients to represent Jesus and his 12 apostles – mutton was also added to represent the shepherds.
Why do they call it mince meat pie?
Mince pies are called mince pies because traditional recipes included mincemeat. Back in the day, mince pies were still a festive treat served around Christmas time but they were filled with mincemeat, dried fruits, and a load of spices.
Why do we have mince pies for Christmas?
Christmas without mince pies is unimaginable. Why? Mince pies have been eaten as part of a traditional British Christmas since as long ago as the 16th century. Then, they were made of meat, but are now made with sweet mincemeat, a mixture of dried fruits, sugar, spices, and brandy.
What kind of pastry do you use for mince pies?
Shortcrust pastry (used in this recipe) is a traditional mince pie case, but some like puff pastry. You can make quick, flaky mince pies by substituting thawed, frozen puff pastry. Is It Illegal to Eat Mince Pies on Christmas Day?
What kind of meat is in a mince pie?
Mince pies have been eaten as part of a traditional British Christmas since as long ago as the 16th century. Then they were made of a spiced, sweet meat mixture but are now commonly made with sweet mincemeat, a mixture of dried fruits, sugar, spices, and brandy (and no meat).
How long do mince pies last in the oven?
Serve and enjoy. Mince pies are delicious served hot or cold, on their own or with brandy butter, or with cream or even a good vanilla ice cream. Mince pies will keep well if placed in an airtight tin for up to seven days. Sometimes they benefit from a gentle warming in the oven before serving.