BSI Group: Consumer, Retail & Food Standards
This British festive pastry has origins dating back to the 13th century when European Crusaders returned from the Middle East with recipes containing meats, fruits, and spices. These early pies, known as “mincemeat pies,” combined minced meat (usually mutton), suet, fruits, and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, symbolizing the gifts of the Magi. In the 16th century, the pies were rectangular, representing Jesus’ crib.
Over time, the meat content reduced, and by the Victorian era, the recipe had evolved to primarily include dried fruits, suet, and spices, aligning with the modern version of the mince pie. Traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season, mince pies are now small, round pastries filled with a mixture called mincemeat, which typically contains no meat but a blend of dried fruits, sugar, spices, and sometimes brandy or other spirits.
Good luck to all candidates doing their Oxford interviews over the next couple of weeks 🤞
📷 Instagram | Juncao_Oxford#ApplyingToOxford pic.twitter.com/sqj0LpKdgD
— University of Oxford (@UniofOxford) December 9, 2024
Last night, after a 3 year break, we were delighted to once again host our Festive Networking Drinks 🎄 in person, at the Oxford & Cambridge Club, London.
We had a great turn out with almost 60 fellows, students & alumni braving the cold to socialise & network with their peers. pic.twitter.com/WX7aVskMsi— Kellogg College, University of Oxford (@KelloggOx) December 14, 2022
