Preventing Food Waste This Christmas: Tips to Reduce and Reuse

The festive season is a time of joy, family, and indulgence. 

But behind the celebrations lies a sobering statistic: every Christmas in the UK, 263,000 turkeys, 740,000 portions of Christmas pudding, and over 7.5 million mince pies are thrown away. 

These numbers are staggering, not just in terms of wasted food but also in the resources, energy, and money lost in producing it.

This Christmas, let’s make a conscious effort to reduce food waste while still enjoying the magic of the season. Here are some practical tips to help you shop, cook, and share sustainably.

1. Plan Your Meals Wisely

Before heading to the shops, take stock of what you already have in your cupboards, fridges or freezers. Plan your Christmas meals with a shopping list based on realistic portions per person. Overbuying often leads to waste, so think carefully about how many people you’re hosting and whether they’ll actually eat that third helping of pudding.

2. Get Creative with Leftovers

Christmas leftovers are the gift that keeps on giving! Transform turkey into delicious sandwiches, soups, or curries. Mince pies can be crumbled into trifles or served warm with cream for a quick dessert. Christmas pudding can be reinvented into ice cream or baked into muffins. Websites like Love Food Hate Waste are full of inspiration to help you turn leftovers into new meals.

3. Store Food Properly

Storing food correctly can significantly extend its shelf life:

Freeze anything you can’t eat immediately, from turkey meat to leftover sauces.

Use airtight containers for baked goods like mince pies.

Keep vegetables like carrots and parsnips in the fridge crisper drawer to keep them fresh.

4. Offer "Doggy Bags" to Guests

If your guests loved the meal, they’ll likely appreciate taking some leftovers home. Invest in reusable containers or paper bags so you can share the feast and prevent waste.

5. Donate Unopened Extras

If you realise you’ve bought too much, consider donating unopened, non-perishable items to a local food bank. Many UK charities, such as the Trussell Trust, accept festive food items to support those in need.

6. Compost Scraps

Inevitable scraps like vegetable peelings or fruit skins can be composted instead of thrown away. Composting reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill and creates nutrient-rich soil for your garden.

7. Rethink Portion Sizes

It’s tempting to cook a mountain of food to ensure no one goes hungry, but most people won’t miss a second or third dessert option. Serving moderate portions can also help guests savour each dish rather than overindulging and leaving food unfinished.

8. Love Your Freezer

A freezer is your best ally in reducing waste. Cooked turkey, stuffing, and even puddings freeze well for future meals. Be sure to label containers with dates and contents for easy access later.

9. Spread Awareness

Food waste isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a societal one. Share tips with friends and family, and encourage conversations about sustainability during the holiday season. Small changes, collectively, can lead to significant impacts.

A Christmas to Remember

By being mindful of food waste this Christmas, you’ll save money, reduce your environmental footprint, and make the festive season even more meaningful. After all, the true spirit of Christmas lies in generosity and care—not just for each other but for the planet too.

Let’s make this Christmas one to remember—for all the right reasons!

What steps will you take to reduce food waste this holiday season? Share your tips and ideas below!

Statistics from https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/insights-and-media/insights/blogs/cutting-festive-season-food-waste-making-sustainable-changes-from-farm-to-fork

How to Make Your Own Glucose-Fructose Syrup-Free Candied Fruit Peel and Mince Pies for Christmas

The festive season is all about warmth, comfort, and indulgence, but it can also be a time to be more mindful of what we put into our bodies. 

Many traditional Christmas treats, like mince pies, often include glucose-fructose syrup, a common sweetener associated with various health issues. 

The good news is that you can easily make your own versions of these festive delights at home, free from over-processed sugars and packed with amazing natural ingredients.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through making your own glucose-fructose syrup-free candied fruit peel and then using it to create delicious homemade mince pies. 

Both recipes are perfect for those looking to indulge in a healthier way this Christmas while still enjoying the classic flavours of the season.

Homemade Glucose-Fructose Syrup-Free Candied Fruit Peel

Candied citrus peel is a key ingredient in traditional mincemeat, adding a burst of flavour and texture. The problem with store-bought versions is that they often contain glucose-fructose syrup to extend shelf life. Making your own candied peel is surprisingly easy, and you’ll end up with a far superior product that’s free from unnecessary additives.

Ingredients

2 large oranges

2 large lemons

2 large unwaxed lemons (optional for variety)

300g granulated sugar

250ml water

1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Method

Prepare the Citrus Peel: Wash the oranges and lemons thoroughly. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the peel in long strips, avoiding too much of the bitter white pith. Alternatively, you can score the fruit into quarters, then peel off the skin in chunks.

Blanch the Peel: Place the citrus peel in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then drain. Repeat this process twice more to remove any bitterness.

Make the Sugar Syrup: In a separate saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring to a simmer and let it bubble for 2-3 minutes.

Candy the Peel: Add the blanched peel to the sugar syrup and reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peel becomes translucent.

Dry the Peel: Remove the peel from the syrup using a slotted spoon and lay it out on a wire rack to cool and dry. This can take a few hours or even overnight. If you like, you can roll the pieces in a bit of extra sugar for added sweetness.

Store: Once fully dried, store the candied peel in an airtight container. It will keep for up to a month and can be used in all your Christmas baking!

Homemade Glucose-Fructose Syrup-Free Mince Pies

Now that you’ve made your own candied fruit peel, it’s time to use it in a delicious, homemade mincemeat filling. These mince pies are free from glucose-fructose syrup and artificial additives, so you can enjoy them guilt-free.

For the Mincemeat Filling

200g raisins

150g currants

100g sultanas

100g dried cranberries

1 Bramley apple, peeled and finely chopped

100g homemade candied peel, chopped

100g dark brown sugar

1 tsp mixed spice

½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp nutmeg

Zest and juice of 1 orange

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

75ml brandy (optional, or substitute with apple juice)

50g butter, melted

Method for the Mincemeat Filling

Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the dried fruits, chopped apple, candied peel, sugar, spices, and citrus zest. Pour over the orange and lemon juice, along with the brandy or apple juice.

Add the Butter: Stir in the melted butter, mixing thoroughly to coat all the ingredients. Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and leave it to sit overnight to allow the flavours to meld.

Cook the Mincemeat: Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let it cool before using or store in sterilised jars in the fridge for up to two weeks.

For the Pastry

300g plain flour

200g unsalted butter, cold and cubed

100g icing sugar

1 large egg yolk

2-3 tbsp cold water

Method for the Pastry

Make the Pastry: In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and icing sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs.

Add the Egg Yolks: Mix in the egg yolk, then gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Roll Out the Pastry: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas Mark 4. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out circles and place them into a muffin or tart tin.

Assemble the Mince Pies: Fill each pastry case with a generous spoonful of mincemeat. Cut out smaller circles or star shapes for the tops and press them lightly onto each pie. Brush with a bit of beaten egg for a golden finish.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. Let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Serve: Dust with a light sprinkle of icing sugar before serving warm with a dollop of cream or brandy butter.

The Joy of Homemade Festive Treats

Making your own candied peel and mince pies from scratch is a rewarding way to bring the festive spirit into your home. Not only do you avoid the unnecessary additives found in store-bought products, but you also create treats that are bursting with flavour and made with love.

This Christmas, take a break from the hustle and bustle of the shops and enjoy the slower, more satisfying process of creating your own festive goodies. Your family and friends will taste the difference—and you’ll feel better knowing exactly what’s in every bite.

Happy baking, and may your Christmas be filled with warmth, joy, and delicious treats!

Host Your Own Family Mince Pie Taste Trial: A Fun and Festive Christmas Tradition

As the festive season approaches, it’s that time of year when mince pies start filling supermarket shelves and cafés, tempting us with their buttery pastry, spiced fillings, and sugar-dusted tops. 

But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which mince pies are truly worth the calories? 

Instead of relying on reviews or online rankings, why not turn it into a fun family event and organise your own mince pie taste trial? 

It’s the perfect way to embrace the Christmas spirit, have some laughs, and crown your family's favourite mince pie of the season!

Here’s a guide to organising your very own taste trial to determine which supermarket or café chain truly reigns supreme in the world of mince pies.

Step 1: Plan Ahead and Gather Your Pies

To make your mince pie taste trial a success, you’ll need a good selection of pies from various supermarkets and cafés. In the UK, many well-known names offer their take on the festive treat, so consider including options from:

Supermarkets: Marks & Spencer, Asda, Morrisons, Booths, Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Aldi, and Lidl.

Café chains: Costa Coffee, Caffè Nero, Pret A Manger, and Greggs.

Aim to include a mix of both budget-friendly and premium mince pies to see if price truly reflects quality. Depending on the size of your gathering, plan to get at least one pie per person from each brand so everyone can have a decent taste.

Tip: To ensure you’re tasting the latest batches, purchase the pies as close to the trial date as possible.

Step 2: Set Up the Taste Test

To keep things fair and unbiased, turn your taste trial into a blind taste test. Here’s how:

Remove all packaging: Take the mince pies out of their boxes and place them on plates, assigning each brand a number instead. Make a note of which brand corresponds to each number and keep this list hidden.

Keep it simple: Label each plate with a numbered card, so no one knows which brand they’re sampling.

Cut the pies into quarters: If you have a larger group, this ensures everyone gets to try a bit without getting too full. Plus, it allows you to stretch your budget further.

Step 3: Prepare Tasting Scorecards

Create scorecards for your guests to rate the mince pies on different criteria. You can either design your own cards or use a simple format like the one below:

Criteria Score (1-10)

Appearance

Pastry texture

Filling flavour

Balance of spices

Overall impression

Ask each family member to rate the pies from 1 to 10 for each category. Encourage everyone to make notes on what they liked or disliked about each pie. To make things even more fun, you can add extra categories like "Most Christmassy Aroma" or "Best for a Cup of Tea".

Step 4: Conduct the Tasting

Once everyone is seated and ready, hand out the scorecards and let the tasting begin! To cleanse the palate between samples, provide water, plain crackers, or apple slices. This helps prevent flavours from blending and ensures each mince pie gets a fair assessment.

Encourage your family to take their time savouring each pie, discussing their thoughts as they go along. This is where the festive fun really begins as opinions are shared, debated, and defended!

Step 5: Tally Up the Results and Announce the Winner

After the tasting is complete, collect everyone’s scorecards and add up the results. Reveal which mince pies correspond to each number and announce your family's top mince pie of the season!

For added excitement, you could even create fun awards such as:

Best Value for Money: The pie that offered the best taste for its price.

Most Traditional Flavour: For the mince pie that stayed true to classic tastes.

Best Pastry: Celebrating the crispiest, flakiest, and most buttery crust.

Family Favourite: The pie that received the highest overall score.

Step 6: Celebrate with a Hot Drink and Leftover Pies

Once the results are in, it’s time to relax and celebrate with a festive drink. Pair the remaining mince pies with a pot of spiced tea, mulled wine, or hot chocolate, and toast to a successful taste trial. It's a wonderful way to wrap up the evening and get into the Christmas spirit.

Bonus Tips for a Successful Taste Trial

Decorate your space: Add some festive decorations, play Christmas music, and light a few candles to create a cosy, celebratory atmosphere.

Get the kids involved: Children will love helping with the set-up and scorecards. You can also create a kid-friendly category, where they rate based on sweetness or the amount of fruit filling.

Document the fun: Capture photos of the tasting event, especially those funny moments when someone tries a particularly divisive pie! These memories will be lovely to look back on year after year.

Why This Tradition is Worth Starting

Organising a mince pie taste trial is a fantastic way to bring family together during the festive season. Not only does it add a bit of fun and excitement to your Christmas preparations, but it also gives everyone the chance to bond over a shared love of delicious festive treats.

And who knows? You might just discover a hidden gem that becomes your new go-to mince pie each year. So gather your loved ones, sharpen your taste buds, and let the mince pie judging begin!

Happy Tasting and Merry Christmas!

Incidentally the genesis of this blogpost came when I bought two different types of mince pie and I thought: "Hang on! This needs to be on That's Christmas!"¬

A Homemade Christmas: Learning to Make Your Own Breads, Biscuits, and Cakes

As we just pointed out, homemade Christmas treats are amazing. But how do you do it? What can we cook? It's funny you should mention that! Because here is part 2 of your homemade Christmas.

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the house during the festive season. 

As Christmas draws closer, many of us start thinking about indulgent treats, comforting bakes, and creating a cosy atmosphere that warms both heart and home. 

This year, why not take your festive baking to the next level by learning to make your own breads, biscuits, and cakes from scratch?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the joys of homemade Christmas baking, offering tips and inspiration for mastering your own festive creations. With a bit of practice and some simple ingredients, you can create delicious homemade treats that will not only impress your guests but also become a cherished part of your Christmas traditions.

1. The Joy of Homemade Bread

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling a loaf of freshly baked bread out of the oven, especially when you’ve made it yourself. While breadmaking might seem daunting at first, it’s a rewarding skill that can transform your Christmas meals. Imagine serving up a warm, crusty loaf to accompany your Christmas dinner or enjoying slices of homemade bread with cheese or pâté.

Basic White Loaf Recipe

500g strong white bread flour

7g fast-action yeast

1 tsp salt

300ml warm water

2 tbsp olive oil

Method:

Mix the flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl.

Slowly add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until you form a dough.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough back in the bowl, cover, and leave to rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Once risen, shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf tin. Leave it to rise for another 30 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

This simple recipe can be adapted with different flours, seeds, or even a touch of festive flavouring like dried cranberries or cinnamon for a seasonal twist.

2. Festive Biscuits for Gifting and Sharing

Christmas biscuits are a must during the festive period, perfect for sharing with guests or giving as homemade gifts. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, biscuits are a fun and easy way to bring a little Christmas magic into your home.

Classic Gingerbread Biscuits Recipe

350g plain flour

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

2 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground cinnamon

125g unsalted butter

175g light brown sugar

1 egg

4 tbsp golden syrup

Method:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line two baking trays with parchment.

In a large bowl, mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger, and cinnamon.

Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, then stir in the sugar.

Beat the egg with the golden syrup and add it to the dry ingredients, mixing until it forms a smooth dough.

Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 5mm thick and cut into festive shapes.

Place the biscuits on the prepared trays and bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.

Once your gingerbread has cooled, you can decorate them with royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter for that extra festive sparkle.

3. Traditional Christmas Cakes

No Christmas celebration would be complete without a rich, fruity Christmas cake. Learning to make your own is a rewarding experience, and the best part is you can personalise it to suit your taste – more fruit, extra spice, or perhaps a dash of brandy for a boozy twist.

Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe

225g plain flour

225g unsalted butter

225g soft brown sugar

4 large eggs

50g ground almonds

1 tsp mixed spice

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tbsp black treacle

500g mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants)

100g glacé cherries, halved

100g chopped nuts (optional)

Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange

4 tbsp brandy or rum or a good quality Scotch (optional)

Method:

Preheat your oven to 150°C (130°C fan) and line a deep 20cm cake tin with baking parchment.

Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Sift the flour, mixed spice, and cinnamon into the mixture and fold in gently, followed by the ground almonds, black treacle, dried fruits, cherries, nuts, and zest.

If using, stir in the brandy or rum.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Once baked, leave the cake to cool in the tin. If desired, you can ‘feed’ the cake by piercing it with a skewer and drizzling with extra brandy every week leading up to Christmas.

Finish your Christmas cake by covering it with a layer of marzipan and icing, decorating with festive motifs like holly leaves or snowflakes.

4. A Homemade Christmas: The Benefits

Learning to make your own bread, biscuits, and cakes for Christmas is not only a rewarding way to embrace the season, but it also offers several benefits:

Personal Touch: Homemade gifts and treats are far more personal and meaningful. Your loved ones will appreciate the time and effort you’ve put into making something from scratch.

Customisation: When you bake at home, you can tailor your recipes to suit personal preferences or dietary requirements. Whether it’s adding more spices, less sugar, or creating gluten-free options, homemade baking gives you complete control.

Cost-Effective: Buying baked goods can add up, especially around Christmas. By making your own, you can save money and make larger batches for sharing.

Creating Traditions: There’s something special about making the same recipes year after year. These baking moments can become cherished family traditions that make Christmas even more meaningful.

Conclusion

This Christmas, why not try your hand at making your own breads, biscuits, and cakes? Whether you’re an experienced baker or a complete beginner, these recipes will help you create delicious, homemade treats that add a personal touch to your festivities. Embrace the warmth of the season, the joy of baking, and the magic of sharing your homemade creations with those you love. Happy Christmas baking!

Apricot Mince Pies

This interesting and somewhat different recipe for mince pies is from our friends at Bonne Maman.

Ingredients

100g unsalted butter, at room temperature and cubed, plus extra for greasing

200g plain flour, plus extra for dusting

1tsp ground mixed spice

1tbsp caster sugar

6tsp Bonne Maman Apricot Conserve

6tsp good-quality mincemeat

1 beaten egg to glaze

icing sugar, to dust

How to make them

Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan oven 180°C), gas mark 6. Lightly grease a 12-hole cake tin.

Put the flour into a mixing bowl, add the butter and rub into the flour until the mixture is like fine breadcrumbs.

Add the mixed spice to the sugar in a pestle and mortar or a strong bowl with the end of a rolling pin and grind together until well mixed and a little powdery. Add this to the flour and butter and stir in.

Using a round-bladed palette knife, mix in 3-4 tbsp cold water, stirring until it comes together. Then, with your hands, work the dough gently into a ball, wrap in cling film and allow to rest for about 20 mins.

Roll out the pastry thinly on a lightly floured work surface. Stamp out 12 circles with a fluted pastry cutter, slightly larger than cake holes, and press the circles into the tin.

Put about 1/2 tsp of apricot conserve into each pastry case, then top with about 1/2 teaspoon of mincemeat.

Re-roll the pastry trimmings and cut out 12 smaller circles and put them on top of the mincemeat. Glaze the tops with a little milk or beaten egg, if available, and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 mins until the pastry is crisp and golden.

Cool in the tin for 5 mins, then remove and cool on a wire rack. Dust with icing sugar to finish.

Exciting news for Meal Deal lovers! Tesco spreads Christmas cheer with Mini Mince Pies

As Christmas approaches, shoppers can get themselves into the Christmas spirit by adding a festive treat to their Meal Deal. 

For the first time ever, customers can pick up a two pack of Tesco Mini Mince Pies as a snack with their lunchtime Meal Deal in stores now. 

Tesco’s popular Christmas sandwiches get an extra boost with the option to select a limited-edition snack to take festive feasting at lunchtime to the next level with Mini Pork & Cranberry Pies and Pigs in Blanket Flavour Sausage Rolls alongside the Mini Mince Pies.

With millions of combinations available, the Tesco lunchtime Meal Deal is unrivalled for choice and value. Clubcard members pay just £3.40 for a main, snack and drink (£3.90 without a Clubcard).There is also an exciting new festive sandwich this year - the Tesco Festive Duo - a delicious combination of one Pigs Under Blanket Sandwich and one Chicken, Bacon & Stuffing Sandwich.

For some added luxury, customers can select a Premium Meal Deal which includes premium mains such as the limited-edition Tesco Finest Spiced Duck & Pomegranate Chutney Wrap or Tesco Finest Pigs Under Blanket Sandwich with a snack and drink from the wider Meal Deal range for only £5.00 for Clubcard holders (£5.50 without a Clubcard).

Tesco Brand Manager, Violaine Barthe, said: “We know how much people enjoy adding a festive item to their Meal Deal in the run up to Christmas, it really symbolises the start of the festive season. This year the new range of festive Meal Deal snacks, including two Mini Mince Pies for the very first time, make great additions if you want to feel Christmassy or just love traditional Christmas flavours.”

Limited Edition Christmas snacks and mains will be available as part of the lunchtime meal deal until 8th January 2024.

Festive Meal Deal Mains:

Tesco Festive Duo Sandwich (NEW)

Tesco Finest Spiced Duck & Pomegranate Chutney (Premium Main – NEW)

Tesco Finest Pigs Under Blanket Sandwich (Premium Main – NEW)

Tesco Turkey & Trimmings Sandwich

Tesco Brie & Cranberry Sandwich

Tesco Smoked Ham & Wensleydale Sandwich

Tesco Gluten Free Chicken, Stuffing & Cranberry Sauce

Tesco Yule Hog Wrap

Tesco Plant Chef Bright Spiced Butternut Squash & Chestnut

Tesco Chicken Stuffing & Cranberry Sauce Sub

Festive Meal Deal Snacks:

Tesco 2 Mini Mince Pies (NEW)

Tesco Pigs in Blanket Flavour Sausage Rolls (NEW)

Tesco 2 Tesco Pork & Cranberry Pork Pies  

Fridge Raiders Chicken & Stuffing Bites 

The Delicious History of Mince Pies: A Timeless Christmas Treat

Mince pies, those delectable little pastries filled with a sweet and spicy mixture of fruits and spices, are a quintessential part of the holiday season in many parts of the world. 

Their history is a fascinating journey through time, blending cultural influences and culinary traditions. Join us as we explore the rich and mouth-watering history of mince pies.

Origins of the Name

The term "mince pie" can be somewhat misleading, as the filling of these delightful pastries doesn't actually contain minced meat in most modern versions. However, the name has its roots in medieval Britain when it was indeed common to use meat in these pies. The word "mince" in this context originally meant to chop finely, and early mince pies combined minced meat (usually beef or mutton) with fruits and spices.

Medieval Beginnings

The history of mince pies can be traced back to the 13th century when they were introduced to Europe. These early pies often featured a mixture of meat, fruits, and spices. The spices were particularly important, as they helped to preserve the meat before the advent of refrigeration. The combination of sweet and savoury ingredients symbolized unity and harmony, making mince pies a popular choice for feasts and celebrations.

Cultural Influences

Over time, mince pies evolved as various cultural influences began to shape their recipes. The Crusaders returning from the Middle East brought back exotic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which quickly found their way into mince pie recipes. These spices not only added rich flavour but also played a significant role in masking the taste of less-than-fresh meat.

The Tudor Era

During the reign of the Tudors in England (15th to 17th centuries), mince pies continued to evolve. The addition of fruits like currants, raisins, and apples, along with those aforementioned spices, made these pies increasingly sweet and less reliant on meat. It was also during this period that the traditional shape of the mince pie, round with a top crust, was established.

Puritan Opposition

In the 17th century, mince pies faced a threat from the Puritans, who believed they were too extravagant and associated them with Catholicism. Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, banned mince pies, along with other Christmas traditions, in an attempt to promote sobriety and eliminate pagan influences. Fortunately, this ban was lifted with the restoration of the monarchy, and mince pies once again became a beloved part of the holiday season.

Modern Mince Pies

Today's mince pies, particularly here in the United Kingdom, are primarily sweet rather than savoury. The traditional filling consists of a mixture of dried fruits, suet, spices, sugar, and sometimes a bit of alcohol, such as brandy or rum. The pies are often served in small, individual sizes and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

In the United States, a close relative to the mince pie, the mincemeat pie, often includes meat, though some modern versions are entirely fruit-based, resembling the British mince pie more closely.

The history of mince pies is a testament to the enduring appeal of certain culinary traditions, despite evolving tastes and changing cultural contexts. From its humble origins as a meat-filled pie to its transformation into a sweet and spicy delight, mince pies have become an iconic symbol of the holiday season, cherished by people of all backgrounds. So, as you savour your next mince pie during the holidays, take a moment to appreciate the centuries of history that brought this delicious treat to your plate.

(Image courtesy of Anita Smith from Pixabay)

Over 20,000 free mince pies are ready for Aldi customers

Aldi is offering a special voucher to purchase up to 24 mince pies per person by simply emailing freealdimincepies@clarioncomms.co.uk

Aldi predicts over180,000 mince pies to fly from shelves in the first week of launch.

And Northerners are found to be the UK’s biggest mince pie punters

Despite Christmas still being three months away, the festive season has already arrived as Aldi’s anticipated range of delicious mince pies hit the shelves.

To celebrate the first mince pies of the season landing in stores, Aldi is giving shoppers the chance to win one of a 1,000 £5 vouchers. To be in with a chance of getting their hands on these Christmas must-haves, hopefuls should simply email their name and email address to freealdimincepies@clarioncomms.co.uk.

After the supermarket saw over seven million mince pies fly from their shelves last year, 2022, Aldi is expecting over180,000 pies to be snapped up in the first week of launch alone! Most of which are likely to be bagged in northern parts of the UK, with northern Aldi shoppers found to be the biggest mince pie fans last year.

And with prices starting at just 21p per pie, Aldi is ensuring lucky winners are fully stocked this Christmas with the free voucher equating to over 20 pies per person. With 1,000 vouchers up for grabs, this equates to 24,000 FREE mince pies!

Julie Ashfield, MD of Buying at Aldi, said: “We know mince pies are a Christmas staple for our shoppers, so we’re delighted to be able to guarantee an abundant supply for 1,000 successful winners ahead of the festive season!”

Customers can use their voucher to try Aldi’s range of mince pies landing in stores, including the NEW Holly Lane Iced Mince Pies (£1.39, 6 pack) short crust pastry cases filled with mincemeat, topped with icing, or the classic Holly Lane Deep Filled Mince Pies (£1.25, 6 pack) working out at just 21p per pie, a festive bargain!

Aldi’s Holly Lane Iced Mince Pies and Holly Lane Deep Filled Mince Pies are available to buy in stores and via Click and Collect now.

*Full T&Cs apply, visit: https://www.aldi.co.uk/free-mince-pies

Let the "feastivites" begin; six new flavour mince pies land at Asda for Christmas 2023

Christmas and mince pie fanatics (which includes us at That's Christmas!) have something to look forward to, as Asda is launching a 17-strong mince pie range, with 6 new flavours, for Christmas 2023.

Flavours will include Brown Butter and Spiced Rum, Frangipane and Amaretto, Chocolate and Cherry Crumble and a vegan OMV! Crumble Topped Mince Pie.

It's Asda's prediction that it will sell 26 million mince pies this year, after selling 24 million last year.

Hero products in the range, including the Extra Special Brown Butter & Rum Mince Pies, are produced by a specialist family owned and operated bakery based in Lazonby, Cumbria which has been producing high quality, delicious baked goods since 1946.

Available as part of Asda’s 2023 Christmas range, mince pies land this week instore and online.

With under 100 days to go before Christmas Day itself, it’s never too early to start stocking up on the nation’s favourite Christmas treat. (And, at least here at That's Christmas to sample them before Christmas Day itself!) 

As a nation, we love mince pies, and this year Asda has gone really big. Throughout the season Asda predicts to sell 4.4 million packs of mince pies, that's actually over 26 million individual mince pies.

From this week, Asda's offering a truly stunning 17-strong mince pie offering for the festive season, with six new flavours, catering to all mince pie lovers out there, whatever your preferences might be.

This summer Asda announced its first ever Christmas signature flavour, Brown Butter and Spiced Dark Rum, created by the Asda Innovation Team. The flavour will be across hero products throughout the festive range, from mince pies to pigs in blankets. 

Jonathan Moore, Senior Director of Food Innovation and Trends, says: “We noticed an abundance of brown butter used globally by top pastry chefs, accompanied by the growth in the use of dark rum by mixologists across the globe, and this instantly recognisable flavour of warming spices was the perfect pairing for the brown butter. 

He went on to say: "By combining these two key flavours, this year’s Christmas signature flavour was born!” 

Taking the reins of the range are the Extra Special Brown Butter & Rum Mince Pies (6PK, £2.35). The all-butter short crust pastry is enriched with brown butter for a unique and tasty nutty flavour and filled with a spiced vine fruit and citrus peel mincemeat, topped with a Jamaican rum and sweet dusting for a real festive treat.

For those who dare to be different at Christmas, the Extra Special Chocolate & Cherry Crumble Mince Pies (6PK, £2.75) made with rich chocolate flavour, all-butter short crust pastry, filled with sweet cherry jam and mincemeat, and topped with chocolate crumble will be a favourite. 

Customers can also enjoy the Extra Special Frangipane & Amaretto Mince Pies (6PK, £2.75) made with all-butter pastry and filled with Amaretto-infused vine fruit and citrus peel mincemeat, topped with a delicious all-butter frangipane, finished with flaked almonds and a sweet dusting.

The Asda Extra Special Mini Mince Pies (9PK, £2.75) with vine fruits, Valencian orange oil, spices, rich ruby port and cognac, are perfect for a light dessert or Christmas party.

For those who like to stick to the classics, the Extra Special Deep Fill Mince Pies (6PK, £2.75) are impressively filled to the very brim with mincemeat in an all-butter short crust pastry, along with the Asda Mince Pies (6PK, £1.45).

Asda’s own-brand vegan range, OMV!, will be launching its first ever festive offering this Christmas. Available from tomorrow, Monday 2nd October, the OMV! Crumble Topped Mince Pies (4PK, £2) have a fruit-packed vegan mincemeat filling and are topped with cinnamon and ginger spiced crumble for a modern twist on a festive classic. (I'm not a vegan, but with the cinnamon and ginger spiced crumble, I think I'll be popping over to our nearest Asda branch to buy some of those.)

Asda customers can also shop the Free From Frangipane Mince Pies (4PK, £2.25), and enjoy sweet pastry filled with rich brandy mincemeat, topped with frangipane and delicate flaked almonds. As we have pointed out, Asda worked closely with a family-run bakery based in Cumbria to produce some of the hero products in the range, including the standout Brown Butter & Rum Mince Pies. The business, established in 1946, has been producing high quality, delicious baked goods for the past 75 years. The pies are made from scratch in small batches and finished by hand.

John Hines, supplier spokesman, says: “Each year it's a joy to work with Asda on creating our mince pies and to feed the nation with their favourite festive bakes. “We are always looking to see how we can incorporate new, exciting flavours to give our mince pies the wow-factor and experiment with different tastes and popular products.”

He finished by saying: “We’re wishing everyone a very happy Christmas!”

Wow! Co-op unveils Absolutely Stunning Christmas food and drink range for 2023

The UKs leading convenience retailer Co-op has exclusively unveiled its 2023 Christmas food and drink ranges, highlighting a line-up of exciting new products landing across its 2,400 stores throughout the festive period.

This year, the Co-op’s Christmas ranges and products have been specially created with the convenience shopper in mind, based on a firm belief that convenience shopping shouldn’t mean compromising on quality, value or values.

From easy-to-cook party foods to a ready-prepared stuffed turkey joint for two that’s ready to pop into the oven. Each product within the Christmas range has been carefully selected for its great taste,  shoppers can enjoy Co-op's delicious Irresistible party food range, made only with the finest of ingredients. 

The range also firmly stays true to the Co-op’s ethical and sustainable values as it's extended its offering to include more outdoor-bred British pork and responsibly sourced Scottish salmon, too.

Also, there will be exclusive member pricing across a range of lines this year and shoppers can take advantage of a ‘2 for £5.50’ multi-buy offer across the standard party food range.

Taking note of emerging food trends, changing shopping habits and listening to members and customers, the Co-op is bringing the party with an all-new premium Irresistible party food offering which takes centre stage, extending the party season to allow more time for celebrations.

Key products include Irresistible Vol-au-Vents (170g, £5.00) topped with delicious cheese, onion and chive, and cheese and ham hock, plus the crunchy Irresistible Orange Bubble Tempura Prawns (206g, £5.00) with a crispy tempura batter and a sweet chilli dip. 

Another party food must-have at Co-op HQ this year is the delicious Pizza Puff Dippers (190g, £3.25) – tasty tomato, mozzarella and basil empanadas that will leave party guests wanting even more.

Nicole Tallant, Head of Co-op Delicious Food (EDITOR: Wow! What a fantastic job!) said: “As a convenience retailer, we’re committed to making our members and customers lives that little bit easier, which is even more important during the busy Christmas period. 

"We’re proud to be revealing our premium party food offering – elevating a range which is easy and convenient to cook for our busy hosts! Whilst our shoppers can be rest assured that we’ll also be fully stocked on the Christmas essentials for those last-minute trips to the shop.”

Along with investing time into perfecting much-loved Christmas classics, Co-op is introducing a twist on the traditional mince pie, with the arrival of its Irresistible Black Forest Mince Pies (4 pack, £2.65), bursting with a cherry flavour, found in the fruity compote and sweet kirsch frosting.

Turkey curry fans (novelty jumper and Bridget Jones on the TV not essential!) can rejoice at Co-op’s take on a Boxing Day classic with new Irresistible Turkey Tikka Masala Crisps (150g, £1.50) made with British potatoes and a blend of cooked turkey and punchy spice flavours. It’s a turkey curry in a crisp!

And not forgetting Co-op’s Christmas sandwich range, this year, Co-op is partnering with Barnardo’s with an aim to raise £5m to support 750,000 young people access basic needs like food, manage their mental wellbeing and access opportunities for their futures. £50,000 from the sales of the Christmas sandwich range will be donated to Barnardo’s as part of this important partnership.

Consisting of customer favourites, this year, there’s a premium sandwich offering too, with the launch of the 'Irresistible Christmas Market Sandwich’ (255g, £3.85) Currywurst style pork sausage sandwich with Cheddar cheese, sauerkraut, tangy mustard mayo and gherkins on a dark rye bread.

Tallant went on to say: “Our dedicated team of developers have worked passionately on our Christmas range by looking into what our customers really like and observing the latest food trends, even sampling Christmas Market favourites up and down the country to create the delicious Christmas Market Sandwich which transports you straight to the wooden stalls that light up our cities in December!”

https://www.coop.co.uk