As a Brit, I should point out that we use bun tins rather than muffin - which makes for a thinner tart - a muffin tin will use a LOT more filling, will taste a lot richer, and therefore you'll be able to eat less tarts in one sitting.... My Gran makes them with stars on the top and then fills the rest of the top in with white glace icing (just in case they're not sugary enough...) my Nan makes a large tart/pie with a some apple puree over the top of a good layer of mincemeat to reduce the sweetness. I would say it doesn't need to be Brandy - you could use whisky or rum instead - and nowadays you can get jars of more unusual flavours of mincemeat - so taking some raisins out, and putting some dried cranberries in would also be a great option! The other traditional Christmas item in the UK is Christmas cake - a rich dark fruit cake with marzipan and icing. Thanks for adding your input here - nice to hear from a true native... PJH

• Reply