The Great Mince Pie Debate

The Great Mince Pie Debate
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Which? have recently reviewed this year’s mince pie selection in a blind taste test, from a variety of shops, supermarkets and department stores. These stores include the likes of Greggs, Lidl, Asda and Fortnum & Mason, and the results are now in.
 
Harrods came in first place, favoured by 72% of testers, closely followed by Lidl, and then tailed by Waitrose – with 67% favourability. Trailing at the end of the list is Greggs, Aldi and Tesco; with just over 50% respectively.
 
This year, mince pies, on average, can cost anywhere between £1. 15 (Aldi) and £14 (Fortnum & Mason), so choose wisely when purchasing this year!
 
Alternatively, you could always make your own! An easy to follow recipe and small ingredient list makes for a fulfilling way to pass a few hours this weekend.  Not only this, but they are also a wonderful sweet treat for guests, family and friends, when wrapped in eco-friendly disposables, such as our food bags.
 
We chose this simple recipe from BBC Good Food for you all to get inspired by!
 
Ingredients:
225g cold butter
350g plain flour
100g golden caster sugar
280g mincemeat
1 small egg
Icing sugar, for dusting
 
Method:
1. Dice the butter, and rub into the flour, before adding the caster sugar with a pinch of salt. When you have formed a ball, knead momentarily until fairly firm.
2. Preheat the oven to 200C / Gas Mark 6 / Fan Oven 180C. Line 18 holes over two 12 hole trays, and spoon in the mincemeat mixture.
3. Take small balls of pastry and press into rounds to make the pie lids. Gently pinch edges together to seal your pies.
4. Brush the tops of the pies with an egg wash and then bake for 20 minutes. Leave to cool for 5 minutes before dusting with sugar.
 
Your delicious home-made mince pies will keep for 3-4 days if kept in an airtight container. However, if you plan on giving them to guests, then our gift food bags are ideal! Not only are our eco friendly disposables cute, but they also turn a simple baked treat into a thoughtful gift.
 
We’d like to think anything home-made will automatically taste better than store bought, so get the brandy cream or custard at the ready, and get baking your own this Christmas.
 
For further information on our eco-friendly disposables, please browse our selection or contact us, should you need any help with your order.