Mince pies and festive treats

[Reynard]

Not a fan of marzipan either, I am going to try and find one without. Zum Deutschen thema, I am going to try and get some lebkuchen too.

If you do, I'd suggest sticking to Aldi and Lidl for that, as the stuff that's in most supermarkets tends to be much too sweet and has little flavour other than the sugar overload.

My personal preference for bought is Lidl - their dark chocolate-covered hearts filled with apricot jam are lush, as is their Nurnberger Lebkuchen. Otherwise, it's actually pretty simple to make at home. Here's a linky one of my go-to recipes:

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/the-bakers-thread.228233/page-2#post-5087003

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

If you do, I'd suggest sticking to Aldi and Lidl for that, as the stuff that's in most supermarkets tends to be much too sweet and has little flavour other than the sugar overload.

My personal preference for bought is Lidl - their dark chocolate-covered hearts filled with apricot jam are lush, as is their Nurnberger Lebkuchen. Otherwise, it's actually pretty simple to make at home. Here's a linky one of my go-to recipes:

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/the-bakers-thread.228233/page-2#post-5087003

Good tip, I have both Aldi and Lidl within easy travelling distance. I like it chocolate coated and filled with apricot jam also sounds well worth a try!

 

[Alex321]

If you do, I'd suggest sticking to Aldi and Lidl for that, as the stuff that's in most supermarkets tends to be much too sweet and has little flavour other than the sugar overload.

My personal preference for bought is Lidl - their dark chocolate-covered hearts filled with apricot jam are lush, as is their Nurnberger Lebkuchen. Otherwise, it's actually pretty simple to make at home. Here's a linky one of my go-to recipes:

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/the-bakers-thread.228233/page-2#post-5087003

Yes, we regularly buy the Lidl Lebkuchen. Finished the first packet this winter a couple of days ago.

 

[Webbo2]

Mrs W‘s 2025 mince pies with Almond pastry. Another winner👍

 

[Dave7]

As Reynard suggested, I have just picked up a packet of Aldi Lebkuchen. TBH the pack doesn't mention what's in the middle eg apricot jam but I will find out with my mid morning cuppa.
Ohh I accidentally put some brandy soaked mince tarts in the basket

 

[Dan Lotus]

As Reynard suggested, I have just picked up a packet of Aldi Lebkuchen. TBH the pack doesn't mention what's in the middle eg apricot jam but I will find out with my mid morning cuppa.
Ohh I accidentally put some brandy soaked mince tarts in the basket

Who doesn't like a brandy soaked tart, will keep my eye out for some next time I visit, yet to do 'the' Christmas food shop.
Not a fan of marzipan unfortunately, though my brother is, and has gotten it into his head that I am also, this has now transferred to my parents so pretty much everytime I see them now (Not that often as my bro is in Italy and parents in Spain) they invariably have bought something containing marzipan for me


I've done well this year so far, only two mince pies consumed, and they were little tiddler ones.

I'm categorically not a Waitrose shopper, in all sorts of ways, but occasionally we cross their threshold, and I do recall in previous years their peasants essential mince pies being rather pleasant and not too pricey.

 

[biggs682]

These are rather good imho


https://www.coop.co.uk/products/co-op-mince-pies-6pk

 

[Reynard]

A thumbs up for the puff pastry Min Spies from the Tesco ISB

Mum says they're nothing special, but I like them because they're not too sweet and they're not overpowering. I find that the boxed pies, even the "Finest" ones, are getting a bit too much on the sweetness / cloying side of things. These are a nice lighter bite.

 

[Ian H]

Our local butchers make the best mince pies (upstairs in their bakery). But today I rode into town to join the club for their mince pie run. I'll confess to having a pint as well (the venue was a pub).

 

[MichaelW2]

I baked a batch of mince pies yesterday, using the traditional method of frozen shortcrust pastry and a jar of mince. The pre-rolled pastry from Coop had been living in my freezer for a while.
I might pick up next year's premium brandy mince in the Jan sales.

 

[biggs682]

Just tried one of these Waitrose mince pies and it was very nice

 

[Dan Lotus]

I have seen excellent reviews of this shortbread, but my trek over there on Saturday was unsuccessful, as there was a gap on the shelf where it should have been :-(

 

[geocycle]

Mince pies, hot cross buns and scones, the holy trinity of nibbles. About to cut the Christmas cake with friends and nearly keeled over with the alcohol fumes!

 

[sevenfourate]

Christmas Day Breakfast…….

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

Christmas Day Breakfast…….

View attachment 796086

Excellent, a proper amount of smoked salmon there!