How to get a mince pie flavour?!

GemmieWho

I'm planning on making friends a load of random baked goods for Christmas.
I fancied making up a batch of meringue kisses like The Meringue Girls make, and I know in their shop they sell mince pie flavoured ones, sadly that recipe isn't in the book and I was wondered if anyone had any ideas how you would go about creating that flavour?

spam88

I guess you'd have to flavour the sugar? I'm not sure what flavours go into mince pies though, because I just cheat and buy a jar of mincemeat...

mallymal

I think Spam88 has accidentally solved your problem! The pastry in a mince pie adds very little flavour.... 90% of the flavour comes from the mincemeat, so just use some of that. All I would say is, most mincemeats have suet in, which melts when cooked in a mince pie.

If your meringues cook fast or low temp, the mincemeat might not have the right texture. So I've never tried your recipe, but would guess you need to cook out your mincemeat in a pan, then let it cool before adding to your meringue????

the_why_bird

I don't know about making meringues so I don't know if this is helpful but...

I would guess a little brandy, orange zest, brown sugar, and powdered almonds would all help. I don't know of a way to replicate the currants and sultanas though. Even though it isn't in all mince pies, a pinch of nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon would add christmassy spice.