12 Seasonal Essentials

12 Seasonal Essentials

12 Seasonal Essentials - #4

Christmas simply would not be Christmas 

without these traditional accompaniments.

Centuries of homeowners have eaten mince pies - although not to the current popular recipes.

Originally, as the name suggests, the filling comprised meat (often mutton), which was heavily seasoned and spiced, whilst the pie itself was large and served multiple people rather than being baked as individual pies.  By the nineteenth century, Mrs. Beeton offered two recipes for mincemeat - one with meat, the other without.  The latter variety stayed the course, and we continue to eat fruit-filled mini pies today, but crucially these still retain the three important spices - cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg - thought to be a reminder of the three gifts of the wise men.

Thank you English Home!

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.