There's so much more you can make than mince pies...

<p>The humble mince pie has been doing the Christmas rounds since time began. But there really is so much more you can do with the festive and fruity mix, <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/baking-ingredients/asda-extra-special-mincemeat-with-french-brandy-ruby-port/1000001430154" target="_blank">mincemeat</a>.</p><p>The filling of mince pies, which is a mixture of chopped, spiced and often boozy fruit, was first created as a way of preserving meat throughout winter. It became a preservative in the UK when explorers returned home in the 12th century armed with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. </p><p>But it wasn't until the 20th century that beef suet replaced the meat in most mincemeat, and the apples, dried raisins and candied citrus took centre stage as the Christmassy staple we know and love - a mince pie. </p><p>However, pastry isn't the only way to enjoy the tasty mixture. </p><p>From clementine enriched dough plaits to snack bars and winter fruit swirls too - here's how to get your festive fix. </p><h2>Mincemeat and clementine plait</h2><p>Make this <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/mincemeat-clementine-plait" target="_blank">fruity loaf</a>, which is full of festive flavours, the night before Christmas to really start the big day with a bang. Try toasting your slice and while it's still hot spread some butter on top. Delicious, indeed. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="mincemeat-plait__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/mincemeat-plait__square_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>Mincemeat snack bars</h2><p>Enjoy a slice of festive cheer at work, at home or on-the-go with these <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/mincemeat-snack-bars" target="_blank">irresistible sweet treats</a> which are so simple to prepare &ndash; and so very delicious. To make them, put the dates, mincemeat, dried mango or apple, porridge oats and ginger into a food processor and whizz together until evenly chopped. Then add the mixture and press evenly into a tin, sprinkle some seeds over the top and leave to chill in the fridge for 3 hrs. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="mincemeat-snack-bars__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/mincemeat-snack-bars__square_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>Mince pie porridge</h2><p>Creamy, spicy, fruity - and utterly delicious - this <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/mince-pie-porridge-recipe" target="_blank">mince pie porridge</a> is the perfect way to start your day. Made with sultanas, which have been soaked in Cointreau, oats, and spices, this dish really is a festive mincemeat feast, and the perfect December breakfast.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="mince-pie-porridge__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/mince-pie-porridge__square_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>Winter fruit swirls</h2><p>Just look how tasty these very simple <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/winter-fruit-swirls" target="_blank">winter fruit swirls</a> with a layer of icing look. We think they would make a decadent festive teatime offering or could even come out for a simple continental breakfast. You heard it here first!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="cinnamon-swirl-1__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/cinnamon-swirl-1_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>apple, mincemeat and cranberry crumble with Christmas custard</h2><p>This <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/apple-mincemeat-and-cranberry-crumble-with-christmas-custard" target="_blank">warming winter pud</a> is delicious accompanied by a good helping of custard with a boozy kick for grown-ups. We've used mincemeat in with the Bramley cooking apples to help inject some festive flavour to the dessert and sprinkled some chopped dried cranberries over the crumble mix. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="apple-mincemeat-crumble__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/apple-mincemeat-crumble__square_GL?scl=1"></p><h2>Mini Christmas eccles cakes</h2><p><a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/mini-christmas-eccles-cakes" target="_blank">Eccles cakes</a> - which are actually, technically pastries - were first seen in the town of Eccles at Mr James Birch&rsquo;s bakery in 1793. But these indulgent mini puds come with a truly festive feel thanks to a hearty helping of our <a href="https://groceries.asda.com/product/baking-ingredients/asda-extra-special-mincemeat-with-french-brandy-ruby-port/1000001430154" target="_blank">Extra Special Brandy & Port Mincemeat</a>. Yum!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="mini-christmas-eccles-cake__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/mini-christmas-eccles-cake__square_GL?scl=1"></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p><em>Stock up on everything you need including mincemeat online at <a href="http://www.asda.com/" target="_blank">Asda</a> or <a href="https://storelocator.asda.com/#!/" target="_blank">pop into your local store</a>. </em></p>

Make the most of your mincemeat

By ASDA Admin,18th December 2017

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