Which mince pies 2011

The tasters were asked to rate each pie out of 10 for overall appearance, minced filling taste and pastry quality. With seven tasters, this gave each pie an overall score out of Before we reveal the results check out this video of all the tasting action, along with comments from the participants:.

While the tasters were somewhat divided on whether the puff pastry really worked one questioned whether this was really even a pie! But if you want to get your hands on this Heston pack you will have to pay top-dollar: each pie costs But again this is a pricey piece of pastry, clocking in at One taster criticised the pie for its soapy taste and ugly nature.

They liked the pastry stars and crunchy granulated sugar on top, and were pleasantly surprised by the tasty mincemeat and buttery finish. Some were less keen on the space between the lid and mincemeat, but if you're the sort of person who likes to add your own brandy butter where else is it to go?

For the price we don't think you'll find a better mince pie. Last year's winners were beaten into equal second place by only one mark. Our panel liked the short, crisp pastry with its starry decoration and the generous, citrusy mincemeat filling also found favour.

Scoring the same overall mark as Betty's, Riverford's mince pies are slightly more expensive and a bit larger. The quality of the mincemeat with its plump raisins marked them out as a cut above, but they lost a mark or two due to the pastry's tendency to fall apart. The pastry here was almost universally considered to be excellent; attractively shiny and light, with the quantity and thickness well matched to the filling. The mincemeat itself however was divisive: some loved it, saying the fruit flavours were the best of the bunch, others found it too tart and sultana-heavy.

To create these mince pies you will need a food processor. Make sure you get the ultimate mince pie by using the ultimate product - find out which are the best food processors. Adding a frangipane pastry to the top of the mincemeat not only offers an alternative taste but also makes the casing look a little more delicate.

Sprinkling almonds on the top with either apricot jam or a dusting of icing sugar makes for a very good looking mince pie. Patrick runs the Artisan Bakery and is one of our Which? Here is his recipe for the ultimate mince pies. We first published it in and it's so good that one of our Which? She says they are a great alternative pies for those people who don't really like traditional mince pies. You will need. Frangipane topping.

To make sure everyone can enjoy their best version of a mince pie we have also tested the shop-bought gluten-free mince pies on offer in the supermarkets. Our food experts have informed us that they have improved since previous years. What do you like to serve mince pies with?

A food writer friend suggested putting a slice of the best cheddar on top. It's like apple pie and cheese… so good. But another is with double cream whisked into soft peaks with brandy, a little sugar and vanilla. Hot or cold mince pies? When you serve them warm the flavour is much more pronounced and sweeter.

Should you keep the foil case on when reheating? I take the mince pies out of the foil and sit them on a tray lined with non-stick baking paper before heating, as this makes the pastry extra crisp. Is it best to freeze mince pies cooked or uncooked? You will get the best results if you freeze puff pastry mince pies uncooked, whereas shortcrust pies can be frozen either cooked or not.

If you want your shop-bought mince pies to create a real wow factor with your guests, try some of the following ideas. Mulled wine, port, hot chocolate family-friendly or with a splash of rum , sloe or damson gin are always well received with mince pies — as is a nice cup of refreshing Earl Grey tea. I prefer mine served with clotted cream or Cumberland rum butter — a combination of dark brown muscovado sugar, butter, rum and a hint of nutmeg.

Then add two to three tablespoons of rum, whisky or cognac. Also, if you wish to go the extra mile, lift the lid on your mince pie, place any of the above inside, then replace the lid and serve to an unsuspecting friend. Always serve mince pies slightly warm and not hot — molten mincemeat burns are never appreciated.

Make sure you follow the reheating instructions on the box. Of course, you could always simply dust them with icing sugar and serve with a sprig of holly, while throwing another log on the fire and listening to Silent Night Follow our basic recipe for traditional mince pies and get tips from the best in baking; Mary Berry, Jamie Oliver and Paul Hollywood. Jade Harding. In this article Video: how to make easy mince pies How to make easy mince pies Getting the perfect bake The best mince pies to buy Easy mince pies with pastry that will impress What type of pastry makes the best mince pie?

What can you add to your mince pie pastry? Mince pie recipes from top chefs View more links. Video: how to make easy mince pies. Mary Berry's mince pies with cranberry The queen of baking, Mary Berry, likes to add cranberry to her recipe.

Complete Christmas dinner menu How to cook a turkey crown How to cook red cabbage How to cook roast beef How to cook sprouts How to make mince pies How to make Christmas pudding How to make roast potatoes How to roast parsnips. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share by email.