Waitrose Mince Pies

*GUEST REVIEW*

A very good friend of mine has offered to share his opinion on the nations most valued festive treats! Please enjoy this review from Mr Jacob Brook (@JakeBrook96)

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Waitrose: 6 Mince Pies

Living in central London can be, especially during the run-down to Christmas, a hellish time. I am not known for engaging in festive cheer until the penultimate days before Christmas, but when I woke up earlier this month to find that Waitrose had graced us with their scrumptious mince pies… well, I could not resist.  

Vendor: Waitrose
Price: £1.27 (usually £2.50)
Pack size: 6

First impression: I was slightly apprehensive at first. Unlike most mince pie boxes, Waitrose had opted out of the conventional transparent cellophane window, preventing the curious consumer from previewing the festive delights before purchasing. However, once opened, all were intact and sumptuous-looking with a light pinch of frosty sugar.

Pastry: Absolutely on par with my mum’s homemade recipe (don’t tell her). Pastry cooked to perfection, leaving a golden crust around the pie’s circumference. Perhaps a light sprinkle of icing sugar may be more Christmassy.  Taste lives up to Waitrose’s buttery description.  (8/10)

Filling: Mincemeat had an initial punch that was complimented by the buttery taste of the pastry. Waitrose had been generous with its pies’ contents, with mincemeat making up 47% of the actual pie. My only gripe is that sometimes the mincemeat had sunk to the bottom of the pie, leaving an air-pocket between the crust and the filling. The removal of alcohol means these mince pies are both kid-friendly and suitable for all religions and preferences. (7/10)

Rating overall: A very impressive selection of mince pies. Succulent filling with an all deserving crust that won’t bludgeon the wallet. (15/20)

A big thank you to Jake for this review. These pies scored highly, which I would have expected. I shall have to get myself some! Watch out for Me. Kipling next! 

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Greggs Mince Pies

Greggs: 6 Mince Pies

Great to see/hear this blog is getting so much attention. Had lots of recommendations for pies to review, which I will get round to! SO far 40 pies had been scoffed this month! 

ALSO be on the look out for some guest reviews on this blog from fellow pie aficionados! 

Now back to the pies... Some of you may know that I am a big fan of a Gregg's Festive Bake, so whilst waiting in line at my local branch for my festive fix, I couldn't help but notice the Point of Sale stand next to the till FULL of Mince Pies. Has christmas come early? I couldn't possibly resist picking up a packet! 

Vendor: Greggs
Price: £1.50
Pack size: 6

First impression: The box has a plastic window that allows you to see the pies right before your eyes! They almost look home-made, and the box claims they are made in store (like the sandwiches and salads etc) I also spy icing/powdered sugar YAYY! 

Pastry: This is a weird one, for two reasons. 1) The pie is flatter, and NOT a deep fill. 2) They haven't changed much for a few years now, and there is just something I don't like about the texture of these specific pies. It's almost underbaked/undercooked? Which leads it to not be a crumbly as one would have liked.. (4/10)

Filling: On the first bite you get a burst of christmas spices, which is then complimented by a rich and zesty mincemeat. Jam packed with fruit and candied orange which makes for an all round tasty filling. Possibly the best yet? (9/10)

Rating overall: A very tasty mince pie indeed. Amazing filling let down by a sub-par pastry. Gregg's you have made me one happy lad. Nice one! (13/20)

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Tesco Mince Pies

Tesco: 6 Mince Pies

It is worth mentioning that I have consumed a total of 25 mince pies so far this month! Anyway... on with the review! 

Whilst in Tesco the other day picking up a few bits and bobs, I thought it would be a good time to check out their festive offerings. "Fuck the turkey, show me the pies" I thought to myself, as I scurried off to the baked goods isles. Tesco being a "superstore" they had an extensive variety of my all time favourite foodstuffs. I decided to go with Tesco's own brand mince pie, saving the finest* range for a latter review. I must confess I also picked up some of Mr. Kiplings mince pies, which I will review later on this week. 

Vendor: Tesco
Price: £0.89
Pack size: 6

First impression: Nice looking box. Pies look exactly like they do on the box (which is often not the case with some) Extremely light sprinkle of sugar over some lightly done pastry. I don't know why but these pies just look very yummy. I was a bit skeptical about the price (89p for 6) let's see if they get SHUTDOWN. 

Pastry: 2.6.cm deep. Pretty average looking. Casings were overall not even in the baking. And the lid was a bit ill-placed. Pastry was OK, took a good few chews to get down. Not the buttery experience I was promised by the box. (4/10)

Filling: Not that much of it! Didn't expect as much for the price, there was more pastry than filling, so gave a weird texture in the mouth. Favour-wise it was quite good, lots of citrus bursts which I enjoyed. (5/10)

Rating overall: Value for money? yeah i'd say so. If you don't want to spend that little bit more, look no further! 6 pies for 89p is unheard of in the current climate. I blame Brexit. LOL (9/20)

Watch this space, a special guest review is coming soon!

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FAVORINA: 12 Mince Pies

The quest continues! 

FAVORINA: 12 Mince Pies

I often find myself In lidl doing a weekly shop. The supermarket has a fantastic range of quality products and surprisingly low price (Please note: I ALMOST bought an ENTIRE leg of Serrano ham... but that's another story) The shop actually has a number if different "brands" of mince pie on offer, but these caught my eye as they were from the seasonal part of the shop. This stand rotates with special products and one-offs. So naturally, it 
was worth a try!

Nice box, nice pies

Vendor: lidl
 Price: £1.49
Pack size: 12

First impression: Premium looking box. Opens up to find a protective layer between the pies to stop the lower deck getting squashed.... very nice touch. Upon opening, A more well done pastry, which I prefer... and a lighter dusting of sugar. Holly leaf decoration is cute AF. 

Pastry: As I mentioned, darker more well done pastry then the pervious. A stunning 2.5' deep! Very buttery (6/10)

Filling: Packed to the the lid! Hurrah! The mincemeat is full of chunks of fruit and you get plenty in each bite. Solid Pasty:Filling ratio. Full of flavour, and a great aroma!  (7/10)

Rating overall: Buch better than the pervious, this would be great heated up and served with a mulled wine or cider! (13/20)