Ding dong merrily on pie
Mince pies maketh Christmas, but where will you find the very best? To save you the trouble, we’ve tried them all in the great COUNTRY LIFE mince-pie taste off
Konditor & Cook Mince Pies Gift Box of 12, £16 (www.konditor.co.uk)
What Konditor & Cook says Our famous mince pies are made with the finest allbutter pastry and filled with a luxuriously full-flavoured, vegetarian mincemeat.
The COUNTRY LIFE verdict Delicious, meltin-the-mouth buttery pastry containing a mild-mannered mincemeat with a pleasant aftertaste. The only real complaint was from those who felt that this petite, shiny offering looked slightly more like a mini quiche than a mince pie.
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference All Butter Mince Pies, £2 for six (www.sainsburys.co.uk)
What Sainsbury’s says Our melt-in-themouth, all-butter mince pies are packed with a festive blend of luscious fruit, aromatic peel and warming spices, infused with a generous nip of brandy.
The COUNTRY LIFE verdict These are prettily presented, with crisp pastry that has a good colour and isn’t too sweet. The filling is firm with a decent whack of booze and spicy overtones. An all-round crowd-pleaser, which is all anyone really wants from a mince pie.
Betty’s Classic Mince Pies, £10.50 for 12 (www.bettys.co.uk)
What Betty’s says All-butter sweet-pastry cases filled with luxury mincemeat. Baked fresh every day.
The COUNTRY LIFE verdict Simple, rustic and organic looking, with a stylish star on top. Yummy buttery pastry, with a filling that’s moist, if a bit bland. Would make a lovely gift.