Did you know that October 26th celebrates my favourite sweet and spicy holiday pie filling: it’s National Mincemeat Day! Yep, the OTHER special day in October. Going beyond pie, this mixture of dried fruits, spices, and spirits can be used in a variety of ways. In this post, I’ll share some of my favourite recipes and ideas with you.

How to Make Mincemeat

First things first. Yes, you can buy mincemeat at your local grocery store, but part of the holiday tradition in our house is to make our own. If you want the warm spicy scent of the holidays in your house, there’s no better way than cooking up your own batch of this holiday classic. You can store it in Mason jars to use at a later date, or tied with a ribbon, they make a fabulous holiday gift.

Here’s my version of homemade mincemeat.

Think Beyond Pie

Mincemeat is not just for pies.

Gone are the days when mincemeat was a part of the holiday dinner table as just the traditional pie (or tarts). In fact, in our house, it has become a cold weather favourite for any day, and in a number of different ways.

Mincemeat Pancakes

Want to cook up a big weekend breakfast that brings back those warm feelings that come with the holiday season? Indulge in these incredible mincemeat pancakes. I top mine off with a dollop of brown sugar whipped cream cheese, but you could also use a brandy cream, a flavoured butter such as orange, cinnamon whipped cream, or a simple dusting of icing sugar. Throw some bacon and a cup of coffee on the side, and you’ve got a hearty and indulgent weekend breakfast perfect for warming you up on a cold winter morning.

Mincemeat Cookies

Nothing fills the house with incredible warm and spicy aromas like a tray of fresh baked mincemeat cookies. This recipe is a great way to use up any leftovers you may have from your holiday baking. They make a great addition to your holiday table and are the perfect size for anyone who wants to indulge in dessert but may not have quite enough room leftover for a heavier dessert. Serve alongside a cup of tea or coffee, and it’s the perfect end to any meal or as an afternoon treat to warm the soul.

Scones

What’s afternoon tea without a light and fluffy scone? Perfect for an afternoon tea in the winter or for a holiday tea party, mincemeat makes a comforting and flavourful topping for a scone. In fact, this has become my new personal tradition for Christmas morning, replacing our typical cinnamon buns. Simply spoon a generous amount on top of a scone and top with a dollop of light whipped cream. Glorious!

There are countless ways to make the most of mincemeat and the holiday season. These are just a few of my favourites.

What’s your favourite mincemeat recipe?

Happy eating!