A Magical Twist for Stir Up Sunday - Hansel and Gretal Mince Pies!

Stir Up Sunday: Mince Pie Taste Testing and a Magical Twist on the Classic Recipe!

The countdown to Christmas is officially on, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with Stir Up Sunday? This traditional British celebration is all about stirring up your Christmas pudding mix, but we think it's also the perfect excuse to dive into some mince pie taste testing (because who doesn’t love a good pie during the holidays?). Whether you’re a mince pie aficionado or a first-timer, we’ve got everything you need to make this Stir Up Sunday a little bit more magical!

Mince Pie Taste Test: The Best of the UK Supermarkets

Before we dive into the fun and easy recipe for making your own mince pies (with a fairytale twist!), let’s first take a moment to appreciate the incredible variety of ready-made mince pies on offer in UK supermarkets this year. Grab your friends or family, and get ready for the ultimate taste test – you can score some of the best pies without spending hours in the kitchen. Yes, I said score and we recommend a few Christmas stickers to add to that scoring sheet.

Here are some of the best mince pies to try in UK supermarkets this year:

1. M&S All Butter Mince Pies

Let’s kick things off with a classic. The M&S All Butter Mince Pies are a fan favorite, and for good reason. The buttery, flaky pastry paired with rich, spiced fruit filling is simply divine. These pies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture and are perfect for those who appreciate a traditional, no-nonsense mince pie. Plus, their golden crust adds a little extra festive flair. The perfect traditional pie straight from a fantasy banquet table!

2. Waitrose Deep Fill Mince Pies

If you’re a fan of a generous filling, the Waitrose Deep Fill Mince Pies are for you. These pies are loaded with rich, sweet mincemeat that’s perfectly spiced, making each bite a little piece of holiday heaven. The extra deep filling gives them an edge over the competition, and we love how they’re a bit more indulgent than the standard version - truly the king or queen of festive confectionery! If you’re after a pie that feels a little more luxurious, this is the one to try.

3. Lidl Deluxe Mince Pies

Lidl’s Deluxe Mince Pies are one to watch this year. They come in a beautifully presented box and feature a buttery, shortcrust pastry with a smooth, well-balanced mincemeat filling. What sets these apart is the hint of brandy that adds a subtle warmth to the pies – indulging in those fantasy tavern elements! Plus, they’re incredibly affordable, making them a steal if you’re stocking up for Christmas.

4. Tesco Finest Mince Pies

For something a little different, Tesco Finest offers mince pies with a twist of orange peel in the mincemeat, giving them a fresh, citrusy zing that cuts through the rich filling. These pies have a crunchy, buttery pastry that holds up well, making them a great choice if you want something both traditional and just a bit unique. We found this middle-of-the-field and great if you're on a budget. But, to add that zing of magic for your fantasy festive frolicking, a little glitter spray from the home baking aisle will make these look like something from a fairy realm itself!

5. Asda Extra Special Mince Pies with a Crumble Topping

Now here’s a pie that’s a little bit different! Asda’s Extra Special Mince Pies come with a crumble topping, making them stand out from the crowd. The addition of the buttery crumble creates a sweet, crumbly contrast to the deep, fruity filling. If you like your mince pies with a bit of texture and your inner dwarf has a passion for something more rustic, these are an exciting option.

The Ultimate Mince Pie Recipe: Hansel and Gretal Mince Pies!

Who doesn't remember the witch's candy house made of gingerbread and sugary treats to encourage hungry children into her lair? Here’s an easy, fun, and festive twist on the traditional mince pie recipe: Gingerbread Pastry! This sweet, spiced pastry adds a whole new layer of flavor and will make your mince pies the star of your Stir Up Sunday celebrations and straight out of a fairytale!

Ingredients:

For the Gingerbread Pastry:

• 225g plain flour

• 100g cold butter, diced

• 50g dark brown sugar

• 1 tsp ground ginger

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (or more if you prefer your gingerbread to have more of a fiery kick)

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

• 1 egg yolk

• 2-3 tbsp cold water (or more as needed)

For the Mince Pie Filling:

• 1 jar of your favorite mincemeat (store-bought or homemade!)

Method:

1. Make the Pastry: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, spices, and dark brown sugar. Add the cold butter and rub it into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. This is where the magic happens – the butter adds richness, while the spices fill the kitchen with delicious holiday smells.

2. Bring It Together: Add the egg yolk and mix. Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork it – you want a soft, slightly sticky dough. Once combined, wrap it in cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

3. Roll Out and Cut: Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan oven 160°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface until it’s about 3-5mm thick. Use a round cutter to cut out bases for your pies and top pieces (if you're not going open-topped). Place the bases into a 12-hole tart tin and spoon a heaping teaspoon of mincemeat into each one.

4. Top the Pies: Use your round cutter to create lids for the pies. Gently place the lids over the filled bases and press down the edges to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges or get creative with festive shapes like stars or holly leaves on top. Make sure to add a little hole with a cocktail stick to avoid any baking explosions!

5. Bake: Brush the tops with a little beaten egg yolk for a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp. Allow the pies to cool slightly before enjoying them warm, dusted with a little icing sugar.

   
   
   
   

The Best Part: Mince Pie Tasting Party!

Now that you’ve got your pies ready, why not host a Mince Pie Taste Test Party with friends or family? Compare your homemade gingerbread mince pies to some of the supermarket favorites, and rate each one for flavor, texture, and festive vibe. You can even add some fun extras like whipped cream, brandy butter, or custard for dipping.

So gather your loved ones, indulge in a mince pie feast, and enjoy the magic of Stir Up Sunday! With a little help from your favorite mince pies and our gingerbread pastry twist, your holiday season will be off to a delicious start.

Happy baking and tasting!