Did you know that cutting a mince pie with a knife is considered bad luck?
Mince pies are a beloved Christmas treat that can be enjoyed in many different ways – topped with fondant, crumble, or a pastry star. They’re a symbol of the festive season, often served with brandy cream and mulled wine.
But where do mince pies come from? Let’s take a look at their history.
Today, mince pies are made with ingredients such as pastry, suet, dried fruit, peel, and brandy – but this wasn’t always the case.
Original Mince Pie Fillings
The original mince pie was filled with meat, typically lamb, and shaped like a manger to symbolize the birth of Christ. It was covered with a pastry blanket.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, mince pies were a luxury item enjoyed by the wealthy, who used them as a status symbol to showcase their wealth and the skills of their chefs.
The First Written Mention of Mince Pies
The first written mention of mince pies was in a 1390 English cookbook called “A Forme of Cury.” At the time, mince pies contained unusual ingredients such as cheese and eggs.
Over time, the recipe evolved and became sweeter, with meat becoming an optional ingredient rather than a requirement.
The Evolution of Mince Pies
The biggest change to mince pies came in the mid-18th century, when cookbooks began featuring recipes for sweet mince pies as an alternative to the meaty variety. By the 19th century, sweet mince pies had won over the nation and became a Christmas staple.
Since then, the recipe has undergone further tweaks and adjustments to become the beloved treat we know today.
Fun Facts About Mince Pies
Did you know that the word “mince” comes from the Latin word “minutia,” meaning smallness?
During prohibition in Chicago, some store-bought mincemeat contained a staggering 14% alcohol content.
Mince pies have been known by many names over the years, including shred pies, Christmas pies, and mutton pies. Originally, they had a crust several inches thick.
Contrary to popular belief, Oliver Cromwell did not explicitly ban mince pies during his reign.
It’s worth mentioning that cutting a mince pie with a knife is believed by some to bring bad luck when you’re putting the cream on top of your pies this year. So, it turns out that this must-have sweet treat during Christmas time was originally a meaty dish that dates back to the 14th Century and beyond. However, one thing is for certain, whether it’s Christmas or any other time of the year, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a few warm mince pies.
FAQ
1. What is the history behind the mince pie?
The mince pie has a long and interesting history that dates back to the 13th century. Originally, it was called a “shrid pie” and was made with minced meat, fruit, and spices. Over time, the meat was replaced with suet and the pie became sweeter. The pie was traditionally eaten during Christmas time and was said to bring good luck and prosperity to the household. The popularity of the mince pie continued to grow and it became a staple of Christmas celebrations in England and other parts of the world.
2. Why is the mince pie associated with Christmas?
The mince pie became associated with Christmas because it was traditionally eaten during the Christmas season. It was believed that eating a mince pie on each of the 12 days of Christmas would bring good luck and prosperity to the household. The mince pie was also associated with the story of the Nativity, as the spices used in the pie were said to represent the gifts of the Wise Men who visited the baby Jesus. Today, the mince pie is still a popular Christmas treat and is often served with brandy butter or whipped cream.
3. How has the recipe for mince pie changed over time?
The recipe for mince pie has changed significantly over time. Originally, the pie was made with minced meat, fruit, and spices. However, over time, the meat was replaced with suet and the pie became sweeter. Today, the filling of a mince pie usually consists of dried fruits, spices, suet, and sugar. Some variations also include brandy or other alcoholic beverages. In addition, the pastry used for the pie has also changed over time. Originally, the pie was made with a hot water crust pastry, but today, shortcrust pastry is more commonly used.
4. Why is the mince pie still a popular Christmas treat?
The mince pie is still a popular Christmas treat because of its long history and association with the Christmas season. It is a traditional part of Christmas celebrations in England and other parts of the world. In addition, the pie is a delicious and festive treat that is enjoyed by people of all ages. Many families have their own special recipe for mince pie that has been passed down through generations. Overall, the mince pie is a beloved part of Christmas traditions and is sure to continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.
Zayn Anderson is a prolific writer with a passion for uncovering the world’s intriguing facts. Armed with an insatiable curiosity, he delves into various subjects, from history and science to nature and technology.