Mince Pies

No British Christmas would be complete without mincemeat tarts, but in the Victorian period, while associated with Christmas, they were eaten throughout the winter season. Mincemeat had late medieval origins and, as the name suggests, was based originally on meat. The first known recipes date to the end of the Tudor period, when the mix was about half to two thirds meat – generally beef, but also often mutton. There were also fish and egg versions, for religious fast days. The ratio of meat