The spelling of "mince pie" may seem straightforward, but the pronunciation may not be so obvious. The IPA phonetic transcription for "mince pie" is /mɪns paɪ/. This means that the first word is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by "ns", while the second word is pronounced with a long "i" sound and the letter "p". The two words together describe a delicious dessert traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season, consisting of a sweet filling made from mincemeat and enclosed in a pastry shell.
A mince pie is a traditional British pastry-based dessert that consists of a sweet, spiced filling surrounded by a buttery crust. The filling typically incorporates a mixture known as "mincemeat," which historically contained finely chopped meat (such as beef or lamb), suet, fruits (such as apples, raisins, and currants), sugar, spices (often including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves), and sometimes alcohol (such as brandy or rum). However, modern versions usually omit the meat and include only vegetarian ingredients.
During the holiday season, mince pies are a popular treat in the United Kingdom and several other countries influenced by British culinary traditions. The pies are traditionally enjoyed around Christmas time, and their consumption is deeply rooted in history and folklore. Mince pies are often served warm or at room temperature, either as standalone treats or alongside festive beverages like mulled wine or eggnog.
The texture of a mince pie varies depending on personal preference and regional traditions. Some individuals prefer a gooey and juicy filling, while others prefer a firmer and chunkier consistency. Regardless of the specific style, mince pies are cherished for their rich, aromatic flavors and wholesome taste, which evoke a sense of warmth, nostalgia, and celebration during the holiday season.
A pie or pastry containing mince-meat : not to mince matters, neither to suppress, extenuate, or weaken the force of, as of the words of another.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "mince pie" is derived from the Old French term "mincemeat", which was originally spelled as "mincemeate". This noun was formed by combining "mincer" (to chop or grind into small pieces) and "meat" (referring to a mixture of chopped or ground meat). In the context of mince pies, the term "mincemeat" evolved to describe a sweet filling made from chopped or minced meat, suet, fruits, spices, and often some brandy or alcohol. Over time, the term "mincemeat" was slightly modified to become "mince pie", which refers to the small pies traditionally filled with mincemeat. The modern pronunciation and spelling of "mince pie" have remained relatively unchanged for centuries.