Top 8 mince pies TESTED
This means we had to leave out other greats from previous years, but they still deserve to be bought and enjoyed.
We tried quite a few (not all) supermarket, mass-produced brands and they did not make the final eight. They are often inexpensive, but disappointing — when it comes to most foods, you get what you pay for.
My blog rozcrowley.com has ideas for other Christmas treats and follow me on Twitter: rozcrowley1 for frequent updates.
Until 2014 enjoy every bite, but stay healthy by watching the quantity of rich foods you eat during the festive period. And if your mince pie is a generous size, spread the festive cheer by sharing it with a friend.
A deliciously unique combination of mincemeat, cranberries, almond paste and apple gives an excellent moist texture to the filling, with crunchy, light shortcrust pastry as a contrast. A welcome newcomer to the list of producers. All tasters loved these. From: Roughty Foodie, English Market, Cork; Rohu, Inishannon; On Pig’s Back, Douglas, Cork and others listed at www.beechwoodfarm.ie
9
The fruit, plump and rich, is the best we tasted and has some apple added. The pastry has a wonderfully light, shortbread crunch to it. Loved by all tasters. These are expensive but are twice the size of many pies. Definitely for sharing.
8.75
Light, buttery pastry with a slight crunch is well balanced with good fruit. Apricot purée accounts for the soft sweetness and there is a slight hint of alcohol from kirsch-soaked glacé cherries in these fairly small pies. Tasters liked them.
8
With pastry made from rice and potato flours, maize and buckwheat, tasters did not realise there were gluten-free until I told them. They liked the pastry and the adequate amount of fruit. Available in supermarkets.
7.75
Possibly the best value for money of the selection, these tall pies are packed with lots of fruit which has a slightly creamy texture. These large pies are good for sharing, too.
8
New to our selection, tasters liked a little crunch in the pastry, though it was also a bit chewy, perhaps from overworking. The balance with the fruit was right for those who don’t like a lot of fruit.
7
A good balance of pastry and fruit, the pastry is a little heavy in the mouth but is tasty and buttery. Available in Carrigaline and Crosshaven shops and at The Wholy Grain, Washington Street, Cork.
7.25
The best of supermarket brands tested, tasters thought the pastry was good, but the amount was too much for the fruit.
6
