I know that last week I advised that we need to embrace imperfection in a more relaxed approach to Christmas and entertaining, but I confess that this week I have been on a mission to find the perfect mince pie recipe.
I’ve had many compliments when I’ve made the almond frangipani topped mince pies so this afternoon I tried your orange flavoured sweet pastry … got the thumbs up from my mince pies tester 👍
Thank you Gina for another very interesting and practical post. Your achievements each week are so impressive, you must have many more hours in the day than I seem to have!! I shall definitely try the mince pie recipe you provided, though origami trees are a step too far! Happy Christmas to you and your family, sounds like you’ll have a fab time….🎄🍾🧑🎄
I love your jumper! And the mince pies look good. I’m making book marks with my 4 year old grandson. Thanks for sharing. Good luck with your fund raising. What a good idea.
A fun Sunday read as always Gina. Well done of the completed charity knit, the addition of the hat is wonderful. What’s not to love about a delicious mince pie, alongside all of the other traditional festive fare, and I shall definitely give the origami Christmas tree bookmarks a go after I’ve watched your video. Am sure your family get together and meal will be a triumph and enjoyed by all. Here’s looking forward to when you next embellish our lives with your Substack writings, in the mean time, in the words of a seasonal song, ‘We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Take care x
I haven’t even read your post, and I’ve had to jump straight down here to say that the best mince pies are those ones you made with the Richard Bertiner recipe, and now my 'go to' mince pie recipe ('Richard's pies' as we call them in this house!)
No I didn’t! Reading your blog from the link and mine where I give the recipe without any source, you made the connection with him and my recipe but I only ever knew them as almond topped mince pies that I learned how to make in a day class (all explained in my post!)
Then I apologise, but it must have been a one off because the only recipe I’ve really ever stuck to is the one I learned at the village college years ago! That is until this year when I think I have found the perfect combination of pastry and filling 😉
It’s ok, I just remember the Richard Bertinet thing because he’s quite dishy 😍 Your little pies this year sound delicious, would never have thought of putting orange in the pastry. I’ve not made a single one yet, but I have dug out a jar of mincemeat from the back of the cupboard. Unknown vintage, but it hasn’t grown anything so I might try my hand at a batch!
I love mince pies and yours look wonderful Gina. I am using my quincemeat too. And your jumper is a triumph. Oversized is good 👍😊 Wishing you and your family a very happy Christmas x
Thank you Annie. I’m quite certain you also make an excellent mince pie. Definitely worth the extra effort to get a good homemade one. Best wishes to you and your family too x
Yes, it’s a River Cottage recipe using quince. The only change I made was to replace the candied peel with candied cherries. Happy Christmas to you too!
I’ve had many compliments when I’ve made the almond frangipani topped mince pies so this afternoon I tried your orange flavoured sweet pastry … got the thumbs up from my mince pies tester 👍
Thank you xx
Excellent! Pleased they got the seal of approval! I have just made another couple of dozen!
I so enjoy your submissions, Gina! You make every subject you approach thoroughly engaging - and I love your charm!
Thank you Colleen. Wishing you and your family a very happy Christmas x
Thank you Gina for another very interesting and practical post. Your achievements each week are so impressive, you must have many more hours in the day than I seem to have!! I shall definitely try the mince pie recipe you provided, though origami trees are a step too far! Happy Christmas to you and your family, sounds like you’ll have a fab time….🎄🍾🧑🎄
Thank you Kate! And good luck with the mince pies. Happy Christmas x
I love your jumper! And the mince pies look good. I’m making book marks with my 4 year old grandson. Thanks for sharing. Good luck with your fund raising. What a good idea.
Thank you Karen!
A fun Sunday read as always Gina. Well done of the completed charity knit, the addition of the hat is wonderful. What’s not to love about a delicious mince pie, alongside all of the other traditional festive fare, and I shall definitely give the origami Christmas tree bookmarks a go after I’ve watched your video. Am sure your family get together and meal will be a triumph and enjoyed by all. Here’s looking forward to when you next embellish our lives with your Substack writings, in the mean time, in the words of a seasonal song, ‘We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Take care x
Thank you so much Alan. Very best wishes to you and Sue this Christmas!
I haven’t even read your post, and I’ve had to jump straight down here to say that the best mince pies are those ones you made with the Richard Bertiner recipe, and now my 'go to' mince pie recipe ('Richard's pies' as we call them in this house!)
You’ve got me here because I’ve never ever heard of Richard Bertiner never mind knowingly made his recipe 🤣
I spelled it wrong - it’s Bertinet and yes, you really did!
http://ginaferrari.blogspot.com/2009/11/recipe.html
https://threadnoodle.blogspot.com/2010/12/richards-pies.html
No I didn’t! Reading your blog from the link and mine where I give the recipe without any source, you made the connection with him and my recipe but I only ever knew them as almond topped mince pies that I learned how to make in a day class (all explained in my post!)
You did!!! Not making this up! You say at the end 'Recipe from Richard Bertinet in Times Magazine 21.11.09'
http://ginaferrari.blogspot.com/2009/11/recipe.html
Then I apologise, but it must have been a one off because the only recipe I’ve really ever stuck to is the one I learned at the village college years ago! That is until this year when I think I have found the perfect combination of pastry and filling 😉
It’s ok, I just remember the Richard Bertinet thing because he’s quite dishy 😍 Your little pies this year sound delicious, would never have thought of putting orange in the pastry. I’ve not made a single one yet, but I have dug out a jar of mincemeat from the back of the cupboard. Unknown vintage, but it hasn’t grown anything so I might try my hand at a batch!
I love mince pies and yours look wonderful Gina. I am using my quincemeat too. And your jumper is a triumph. Oversized is good 👍😊 Wishing you and your family a very happy Christmas x
Thank you Annie. I’m quite certain you also make an excellent mince pie. Definitely worth the extra effort to get a good homemade one. Best wishes to you and your family too x
I am curious about “quincemeat”. Did you really use quince?
Happy Christmas!
Yes, it’s a River Cottage recipe using quince. The only change I made was to replace the candied peel with candied cherries. Happy Christmas to you too!
https://rivercottage.net/recipes/quincemeat/
Happy Christmas, Gina! I LOVE those origami tree bookmarks!
Happy Christmas to you too June. The bookmarks are very cute aren’t they!
I agree with both the previous comments. And would like to wish YOU a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Kath. Wishing the same to you too.
Love those origami book marks - thanks for putting together the video.
My pleasure Jane. Hopefully one or two people will find it useful!
Love the research you always do. Interesting about mince pies. Thanks
You’re welcome Viv. I usually enjoy the research as much as the writing!