A banana duct-taped to a wall sells for how much?
Mince pies and airports.
Hello,
Mince pies are coming into season and with it all the usual debates. Many people are put off them altogether by the word ‘mince’. Whilst they are not packed with Bolognese they did once upon a time contain actual mincemeat. I can see why that would be offputting.
If you are on board, however, there are so many sources it can be overwhelming. You’ve got your six for £1-2 supermarket ones, which are the workhorses of the mince pie world. Can’t really go wrong with these and there’s always a packet knocking about over the festive period. There’s then the fancy supermarket ones where Heston Blumenthal has chucked in his ten pence worth. There’s probably some dark chocolate and cranberries involved. Good for the novelty but ultimately they won’t be back next year.
There’s a whole category of overpriced ones which can be eaten in one mouthful. They’re fine and you wouldn’t say no but you’re better off getting 30 supermarket ones instead. Or if you want to invest, bakery ones are class. They’re a different thing in that you’ll probably only have a couple per season max but it’s nice to see what a professional can do with a bit of pastry and some mincemeat.
Lastly, you’ve got your homemade mince pies, which more often than not have a star on top for some reason. I think these ones are really more about the process and the intention than the finished product but like anything homemade, there’s a certain wholesomeness to them.
There’s then the question of how to consume them. Personally, I don’t really stand on ceremony when it comes to mince pies, I’m happy to just scran them out of the packet. Sure, on Christmas day we can do the whole brandy butter and small fork thing but I can take or leave the heating up. Yes, the inside being as hot as the sun contrasts nicely with the brandy butter but it slows things down.
I’ll take the lot,
Hugo
Chief Mince Pie Officer
The Business of Stuff
The Stuff
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Quote of the week
“The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad.” - Salvador Dali