Festive bites: Top 8 Mince Pies

THIS year’s trawl of the shops and markets unearthed a few new mince pies which I’m delighted to report were worth the journey.

It’s hard to beat a freshly made pie where no compromise for shelf-life needs to be made with the pastry.

Time on the shelves inevitably means that additives are necessary.

Of course we can make mince pies ourselves and a decent crust is worth making well. Shortcrust pastry is easy and I make mine in a blender, pulsing the ingredients until they just about come together. Wrap it in clingfilm or foil and chill for an hour and when it’s rolled out and placed in moulds, chill it again for an hour before adding the filling. This way it will keep its shape.

We can also cheat a little and use readymade pastry. I prefer puff pastry which makes a deliciously salty contrast to the sweet, rich filling. There are good jars of mincemeat in the shops and at farmer’s markets — it may be too late to make your own as it needs time to marinate. I often add a small knob of cream cheese mixed with grated orange or a cube of salty feta before putting the tops on.

Don’t try to heat anything made from pastry in the microwave as the result will disappoint. Instead place by the fire for 30 minutes or in the oven at 180C for 5-7 minutes.

Happy Christmas! Join me on January 2, 2015 for a survey of curries, a welcome change from turkey and ham.

Rohu €1 each €5 for 6

Delicious shortcrust pastry filled with plump fruit in a well balanced quantity makes this one of the favourite of all tasters. Good value from their market shop in Inishannon, Co Cork. It’s worth the journey for lots of other goodies made in their new kitchen.

Score: 9

ABC English Market Cork €1.20 each; box of 12 €14

ABC is our benchmark every year and this year they came up trumps and provide variety with a crumble version (€1.50 each)made by Heaven’s Cakes and sold exclusively at the ABC stall. The crumble is deliciously crunchy. ABC’s own traditional shortcrust bake has better pastry than ever this year and is packed with lots of plump fruit in a deep, good value size. Both types were tops for all tasters.

Score: 9

The Natural Foods Bakery €1.50 each; €12 per dozen

An interesting layering of shortcrust pastry like a flaky pastry is tasty and filled with plenty of fruit. They are deeper than they first appear. From their Paul Street, Blackrock and Fitzgerald’s Park shops/cafes in Cork.

Score: 8.5

Marks & Spencer Gluten Free €3.79 for 4

Nicely buttery, there is proper taste in the pastry which is made from rice and tapioca starch. The fruit has light citrus hints.

Score: 7.75

The Foods of Athenry €4.94 for pack of 4

As I was unfamiliar with these mincepies we tasted both the gluten-free and flour-based types. The gluten-free is also dairy and egg free so is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. The pastry is made from maize, rice, potato, tapioca and buckwheat flours and vegetable margarine. I miss the buttery taste in both types of pies but they are flavoursome and useful for those with intolerances.

Score: 7.5

Lidl 35c each

Loose in the section with breads, they are made by Mannings Bakery in Dublin which supplies Lidl nationwide. The pastry is quite thick but has a good, firm texture and is tasty. The fruit is low, but has a mellow flavour which tasters liked. Heated they taste like more luxurious than their price.

Score: 7.5

Aldi Specially Selected €2.49 for 6

Nicely buttery, though a little heavy until heated, these pies have an attractive snowflake pattern on top. The fruit has some brandy which helps as the amount of fruit is quite low compared to the best samples.

Score: 7

Mr Kipling €2 for 6

Some butter helps to give this pastry flavour, but it’s very crumbly and yet a little heavy in the mouth. The fruit has a hint of spices and citrus which lightens the taste. They need to be heated.

Score: 7.25