The champions of 2022.
The champions of 2023.
The champions of 2024?
The pastry strikes the perfect balance between firm and soft, with just the right amount of "chew", but the taste is maybe just a bit too buttery? The filling is lovely. Fruity, dense, and with a hint of booze, but nothing too overpowering. Just enough to feel a bit cheeky.
These are good mince pies. Very very good mince pies. BUT.
(Gasp! Gosh! Etc!)
As good as they are, they are not the clear winners they have been in previous years. 4 out of 5. #MincePieADay #MincePieFest2024
But what could this mean? Hmm...
I was thinking, with this being the 3-time reigning champ, that maybe having gaps in the crust helps the flavoring somehow. The extra air helps the taste of the mince, perhaps. Less internal pressure=more even saturation of booze and spice?
ReplyDeleteBut judging by this year's selections, where the ones with gaps or holes in the crust have run the full gamut of scores, I'd guess not.
I certainly prefer the look of a mince pie with an open star pattern, and that's how I make mine when I make my own. Does that lead me to prefer the taste too? Perhaps subconsciously I do.
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