A bit like Marmite, mince pies are a subject of great debate for foodies all around the world; but whether you love or hate them, stocking up could be a good move if you’re looking for luck in 2018!
Mince pies are thought to have originated as early as the 11th century, when Crusaders returned to their homelands from the Middle East with recipes and spices; and rumour has it that the number of pies you eat directly correlates to the luck you’ll experience in the following year.
While some believe that one mince pie each day for the twelve days of Christmas will be sufficient, there are other schools of thought that suggest eating as many as you can on Christmas Eve to cash in on the lucky streak.
This would have been no mean feat in the early days of the mince pie. While those of us who like mince pies enjoy the fruity, sweet filling, it wasn’t always so. As the name suggests, the pastry was once filled with meat, as well as alcohol, and three spices, the latter of which were to represent the gifts bestowed on the baby Jesus by the Wise Men. Similarly, the well-known design of most mince pies – featuring a star on top – also has a religious background, symbolising the star which led the Wise Men to the stable.
While we won’t be beating the mince pie eating champion in 2006 (46 mince pies!!!), we might try this out; but if you’re superstitious, be warned as mince pies can also bring bad luck, according to English tradition.
If you’re a dab hand in the kitchen and you’d like to make your own batch of lucky pies, be sure to stir the mixture in a clockwise direction – or else…!
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