Christmas, a time for our favourite Christmas films, sharing gifts between friends and loved ones, and, of course, the food. When it comes to the festive staples we want to enjoy on the big day, it’s fair to say a mince pie (or two) will be an essential for many of us.

Much as we’d all like to imagine we’ll be lovingly crafting our mince pies from scratch ready to pop in the oven when guests come over, the reality is that most of us will be reaching for a shop-bought packet at some point.

Back in the mists of time, the only option was for shortcrust, slightly buttery and soft. Now you can find mince pies in flavoured pastry, spiced pastry, cinnamon. I’ve found one recipe that makes mincemeat cases out of a raw nut mixture, as well as those made with alternative flours.

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