pie

i shared with you my family tradition of making hot cross buns at easter... but neglected to share our christmas counterpart- mince pies. yum.

some background: a mince pie is a british sweet pastry, traditionally eaten during the christmas and new year period. they are mini-pies made of a flaky pastry and filled with mincemeat - a preserve typically containing apple and dried fruits like raisins and sultanas.

in england (and of course south africa), mince pies are considered father christmas' (santa to the rest of you) favorite food. therefore, instead of cookies by the fireplace, children leave a couple of mince pies out on christmas eve.

i love these tasty things... but i love even more the tradition that surrounds it, sharing it both with others around the world and with my wonderful family!

mince pie trivia: in the 17th century, oliver cronwell made the eating of mince pies on christmas day illegal (this was voted the fourth "most ridiculous britist law" in a pretty funny 2007 poll)