Mama's Best: a marvellous Mince Pie Recipe from home 🥧
In a bright and bustling kitchen, on a brisk Sunday morning, a familiarly sweet scent lures two boys and a husband downstairs. You know it’s Christmas time when every kitchen countertop is covered with mum’s mince pies, they think. Fruit, brandy, a near golden crust. It all just looks and smells so good, but mum will kill us if we sneak a bite before lunch. Maybe when she’s not looking…
We all have our own version of the way we like to celebrate Christmas. The more time passes, the more different each yearly celebration gets. Last-minute ski trips, precious additions to the family and even a pandemic come up from time to time. The one thing that never changes each year on Christmas is the sharing of good food (fortunately!). Specifically, mince pies. 🤤
Traditional Festive Treat
Typically eaten during the season of Christmas, this mouthwatering English treat is a small and sweet pie filled with a blend of dried fruit and spices. 🎄
As always, different versions of this well-loved dessert have been created throughout the years. Originally, the classic mince pie was made by stuffing the crust with chopped dried raisins, dates and apples, distilled spirits, spices and even beef suet or venison. Over the years, most people have opted for leaving the beef out - and this version of a mince pie is the one we’re usually the most familiar with. However, nowadays people make mince pies with all sorts of things. They can include marzipan, oranges, chocolate, coconut cream, caramel and plenty of other stuff too. Some people even prefer to deep fry their mince pies! 👀
A Homemade Delight
If there’s anyone in Malta who really knows how to make mince pies, it’s my mother-in-law. The first time I ever tried Sandra’s baking speciality I admittedly was a bit reluctant - I never really liked mince pies. However, one bite was all it took to change my mind on the matter. One whole mince pie and a glass of whiskey later, I began to eagerly say yes every time she offered a mince pie (or two). 😍
As it turns out, I’m not the only one who adores her mince pies. While her family and closest friends have always loved her little creations of deliciousness, each year she’s had to increase the number of mince pies she makes due to the large number of requests she gets! From neighbours to work managers to friends of her sons, once people get a taste of her mince pies, they’ll always be coming back for more. 🤶
In fact, after numerous requests from family, friends and friends of friends, she’s finally decided to start selling her famous mince pies to be able to give everyone a taste. Yep, she’s just that good. So what makes her classic Christmasy treats so likeable? ✨
Tips and Tricks
After hearing how successful her mince pie selling venture turned out, I just had to ask her how she does it. 🤔
Q. “What makes a good mince pie in your opinion?”
A -- “A crumbly, biscuit-like crust. The filling needs to be moist, and if it's served warm it makes it taste better. I also like it when the fruit has been matured in a spirit, and when the mince pie has been covered with the crust on top. This is something I always do to prevent the filling from getting dry.”
Q. “What’s an important thing to keep in mind when making mince pies?”
A -- “Each one requires a lot of time and effort, especially if you’re making them from scratch like I do. You need to spend as much time perfecting the crust as you would on the filling. A perfect mince pie has both a perfect crust and perfect filling. It takes more preparation than you may think, in fact. Detail is key.”
Q. “Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to start a food-related business?”
A -- “Where there’s a will there’s a way. With a little bit of sacrifice and commitment and a lot of passion for food, you’ll not only get there; you’ll succeed.”
If you’d like to get a taste of her amazing mince pies, go ahead and check out Mananni’s Kitchen to find out how you can order yours today. If sweet stuff isn’t really your thing, she also makes plenty of other pies you’ll love as well. 😋
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