Mince pie anyone?

I spent the afternoon making mince pies. And wondering why they were called mince pies when they have no meat in them. Thanks to the world wide web I have been enlightened.

You see, in Medieval times mince pieces were made with shredded meat, dried fruit and spices and were baked in oblong casings to represent Jesus' crib.

Over time, however, the pies have become smaller tarts made with fruit-based only mincemeat containing dried fruit, spices, nuts and alcohol, with the addition of suet.

But even though the content has changed, you might want to consider continuing certain traditions:

- If you make a wish with the first bite of your first festive mince pie, it will come true

- You should only stir the mincemeat clockwise. Stirring it anticlockwise will bring you bad luck in the new year

- Mince pies should be eaten in silence

- Eating one or more mince pies on each of the 12 days of Christmas will bring you good luck in the new year

- Mince pies should have a star on top, to represent the Christmas star that led the Magi to baby Jesus

If you haven't baked any mince pies yet, get cracking! Then hush the room and get as many down you as you can! For lots and lots of good luck in 2007.