The Strange Way The Royal Family Eat Mince Pies!

I've never been a fan of mince pies, until I came up with my own mincemeat recipe and learnt how the royal family ate them. That was a game changer for me and now I look forward to mince pies every Christmas. Hope you enjoy them!
Link to candied mixed peel... Nope! :)
My two cookbooks Eating Royally and The Royal Chef at Home are now both available around the world as E-Books, click here to find out more... theroyalchef.paystation.online
Check out my Dallas Based Catering Company 'Eating Royally' for Your Next Event!
eatingroyally.com
The recipes -
The pastry -
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 sticks (8oz) unsalted butter
2 egg yolks
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 egg - for glazing
Blend the flour, sugar and butter until fine crumbs, add the egg yolks and cream, blend again until combined.
The mincemeat -
3 cups raisins
2 cups grated apple (skin on)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup sliced (slivered) almonds
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp mixed spice (all spice)
1 orange - zest only
1 cup brandy
Mix all the ingredients together in a large pan and cook for 5-8 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Brandy butter -
4 oz unsalted butter
4 oz powdered sugar (icing sugar)
1/4 cup brandy
Beat together the butter, brandy and sugar until combined and no lumps. Pipe onto parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting the mince pies
1 cup powdered sugar for blowing at Winston :)
www.theroyalchef.com

[@mariansmith7694]

It amazes me that many of RF's dishes are actually quite simple. We can all make this. Thanks so much... Merry Christmas to you and Winston.

[@lisapet160]

Longevity is the result.

[@saschamayer4050]

I think it's just like in sports or maybe anything - if it looks effortless and easy, it probably isn't. It's a lot of hard work to get these results.

[@epmcgee]

@@saschamayer4050 it's still simple food.

[@HilaryB.]

@@saschamayer4050 They really aren't difficult to do

[@cecillyjones5801]

@@saschamayer4050 j

[@redlanternhomesteadcathym105]

Chef Darren you are pure joy to watch, thank you and Merry Christmas.

[@threepurrs]

These are beautiful…. Reminds me of my grandmother’s mince pies and plum pudding . She came to Canada in 1923 and delighted us with everything English at Christmas. This video was a walk down memory lane, Thank you. Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2023.

[@madonnakeane5122]

I’m not even a fan of mince pie but my father always loved it and had a great aunt back in the day who “made the best”. The royal mince looks so good I may even give it a go! 🥧 🎄

[@joclothier5536]

Hello there. For me,shortcrust pastry is a must for homemade mince pies. I just love it above all other types of pastry.I have type one diabetes,so I have just one at Christmas.Aren’t I the goody two shoes .!!! Greetings and hugs,from Jo. xxxxxxx

[@brt5273]

It's so much better when you make your own and you can tweak the recipe, add or remove things, to suit your taste.

[@lesley-janebutters7233]

Happy Christmas to Chef Darren McGrady and Winston too. Thank you for sharing this wonderfully easy mince tart recipe without chunks of fruit peel or suet. I will use this recipe for next year's Christmas tarts. I thoroughly enjoy watching your channel, there is always something new to learn. I learned tonight that baked tarts should sit in the tart pan until completely cold before attempting to transfer them to a cooling rack. Very wise!!🎄

[@slomo1716]

I ADORE mince pies! Learned about them from my ex-boyfriend from London, and purchased from a British shop in Annapolis, Maryland. Now long gone, and cannot find them anywhere. I did order online a Christmas cake for Christmas, but was so badly disappointed with it, it must have sat in a warehouse for years and I got the very last one, hard as a rock and foul. Learned my lesson, never to buy food online! Thank you Darren for this recipe, I will make and treasure all my remaining years on God's green earth. HAPPY OR MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

[@danielkim7841]

You are so British. First in your taste in British desserts (puds) and now in your choice of language ("foul"). Americans should use the word "foul" more just like British people, it's the perfect word to describe something so accurately!

[@sunmoonstars3879]

Try making a Christmas cake, I follow the Delia Smith recipe and it always turns out lovely. You can make it a few weeks before Christmas and ‘feed’ it brandy until you marzipan and ice it (traditionally on Christmas Eve). It’s v rich and will last so can be eaten well into January.

[@janicewhite1113]

I lived at Sandringham and I love mince pies but I never knew that the mince was so easy to make...it used to take me hours! I will use that recipe now

[@sarahbgln]

How were you living there? I thought only royal family members stayed there

[@janicewhite1113]

@@sarahbgln Hi Sandringham estate consists of several villages, I lived in Dersingham which is right next to the estate. The woods and park land are open to visitors for free as is the shop and butchers who sell royal red poll cattle the meat of which is delicious. Public are allowed in the house for a fee only when the royals are not in residence. We lived there for some time. The Queen had pick your own farms where we took the grandchildren to pick apples plums etc. Just down the road was Anmer village where Prince William and Kathrine lived. I now live in New Zealand but like to watch videos about the royal family. t

[@LindaC616]

@@janicewhite1113 you're brave for cooking pies in summer!

[@janicewhite1113]

@@LindaC616 Linda you just have Christmas without mince pies ( mind you dinner is usually ham salad!)

[@LindaC616]

@@janicewhite1113 👍

[@lynd395]

Loved these recipes. I have to admit I love the candied peel in my mince pies & hot cross buns. Merry Christmas from Melbourne Australia. 🎅🏻🎄

[@dogsbody49]

So do I. I buy the whole peel which I cut up, so much nicer than the ready chopped stuff. Merry Christmas 'Down Under'.

[@lynd395]

@@dogsbody49 thank you. Merry Christmas to you also. We’ll have a pleasant 28C day! No snow here. 😂🇦🇺🌞

[@MurderBong]

YOU ALSO EAT VEGIMITE 😂 CAN’T BLAME YA ON THE PEEL. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[@Philipk65]

@@MurderBong Hey nothing wrong with the old Vegimite lol 😂 Great on toast.

[@helenh20mo]

Always put the fruit mince with peel and hot cross buns yumm made these since I was a kid ... former Melbourne girl here livi g in banana country now

[@coashddjj294]

I'm the only one in my family that loves these pies, but I only eat them at Christmas. This video was such a joy to watch! Merry Christmas ❤🎄

[@jq8974]

I am Canadian 🇨🇦and grew up loving mince pies, although ours didn’t have the candied peel you detest! I have been experimenting with Christmas cake for years now, adding better nuts and fruit and yes, brandy. I intend to give this a go - looks amazing! Thank you so much for sharing and merry Christmas!🎄❄️☺️

[@sailorgirl2017]

Merry Christmas, J Q, from Vancouver Island!

[@nigelmoignard5348]

Love your channel. I make my mincemeat in August each year same as my cake and pudding. I usually use suet to bind all the ingredients, I also use Brandy and Rum for my mincemeat. I also soak my fruits for about 3 days then combine all the ingredients and very slowly cook the mincemeat then jar and store under my bed with other goodies. Thank you for showing the world some very good British Christmas foods

[@violaspencer5628]

I want YOUR recipe! Sounds so good (better?) soaking the fruit in booze… I even like the bitter candied peels if they’re done right - less sugar.

[@nigelmoignard5348]

@@violaspencer5628 thank you. Most or many British Christmas desserts and cakes have alcohol in them. If not then it’s not unusual to have alcohol in creams and custards or even traditional British trifle. Our traditional Christmas puddings, cakes and mincemeat are all very similar in which they all have tons of fruit, nuts and alcohol but are all cooked very different. A proper Christmas cake like a pudding can be cooked in August. As long as you wrap them up properly then they last for many months. The pudding is usually boiled or steamed, the cake is oven baked and mincemeat is usually slowly cooked and stored in jars. The cake we feed every month with brandy or rum.

[@JulieR73]

Please give this man his own cooking show on TV! He’s a joy to watch!

[@joyfulsongstress3238]

My Mother used my Grandmother's (born 1886) recipe for mincemeat, and in addition to all the fruit there was suet. I don't remember there being any nuts in it though. Grandma taught my Mom to put it all through a meat grinder so that nothing would be too big or too hard. My Mom would 'can' some for future use. I've got to find that recipe.

[@maggiedoor6093]

My memory exactly too.

[@okwrite7120]

I think you would have to have money to put nuts in a mincemeat recipe. When you look in the shops, the more expensive mince pies have nuts, the cheap ones don't.

[@joyfulsongstress3238]

@@okwrite7120 I wouldn't know. I've never had store-bought mincemeat!

[@janetpendlebury6808]

@@joyfulsongstress3238 You should try the jars of Roberson Mincemeat, it is really good.

[@joyfulsongstress3238]

@@janetpendlebury6808 if I make mincemeat now, I will be doing my utmost to make it as low carb as possible. Needless to say, I won't be buying commercially prepared mincemeat.

[@lilliputlittle]

Those look divine. I'll have to make those for Christmas. I love mincemeat tarts but always have used Borden's NoneSuch Brandy and Rum recipe mince. But your recipe looks nice and simple and the brandy butter looks like a delicious addition.

[@LandGirlGB]

So glad I found your channel you brought me back to when I lived in England as a child. Thank you for such a wonderful memory. Merry Christmas! Do you have a cookbook?❤

[@sonny12681]

You should Google it because there is a cookbook by Darren Mcgrady.

[@evanhansen5952]

Darren Has 2 books, Eating Royally and the Royal chef at home :)

[@amidavm4798]

Thanks a lot for your lovely recipes, memories and your joy in showing the food! And of course for Winston :-) Been following for more than two years and always happy to watch. It's always like a small trip to England. Merry Christmas from Germany

[@entaos777]

"I am from the United States of America and I have been watching your Channel for some time now and I have to admit, "You have got to be one of the most talented chefs I have ever known! I love all the receipts that share with us all! I love your personality as well as you bring so much joy, happiness and love into your work of sharing! "Thank you for sharing your many talents with the World!" "God Bless You & Your Family!"

[@cynbartek9324]

I'm a 57-year-old American who LOVES mince pie. My father always wanted to try mince pie and never did; I'm so sad for him! I will definitely try your recipe and the brandy butter! Belated happy holidays and woof-woof to your pooch.

[@snsjejueje9735]

Hi where is your father now?This made me very sad love from Türkiye İzmir

[@snsjejueje9735]

Don't be sad

[@victoriacarter6238]

Mince pie was one of my Dad's favorites. Mom also made minced cookies. Almost the same as your pies, but like a stuffed cookie. I'm going to try your mincemeat recipe !!!

[@rosehill9537]

Stuffed cookies?? I think I need to try that

[@patlyons1225]

Yeah..me, too. What cookie dough was used for stuffed cookies, I wonder?

[@victoriacarter6238]

@@patlyons1225 I don't have Mom's recipe, but my brother should have it at our old house. I'll have to ask. I did find one the Food recipe site, Old-fashioned raisin filled cookies. Sounds and looks like Mom's. Mom had a 2 1/2 to 3" flower shaped cookie cutter.

[@stationplaza4631]

Really enjoy your stories about the Queen and Prince Philip. Missing them both terribly.

[@kimberlypatton9634]

I have always loved Minecraft pie since I was a child..I'm 62 now and it has been many years since I've had one.Most of the mincemeat pies in the USA are usually made with a very expensive ready made mincemeat that comes in a jar,ready to pour into prepared pastry.This looks marvelous,and perfectly do-able! The only addition I might make is that I would love to add some finely chopped pecans.The brandy sounds azing ,and I love your videos!

[@patlyons1225]

My Mom and her mother always made mincemeat with roast beef. Mom would cook up an extra large pot roast and use about half of the meat as a base for her wonderful mincemeat in maybe July. We would add currents, citron, oranges and other ingredients, put the stuff in canning jars and let the contents ripen for 6 months before making pies for Christmas. I have wonderful, warm, flavorful memories learning from TWO great cooks, Mom and Gram. Priceless. Merry Christmas to all and Peace. 🎀🎄🕊️😸

[@enzasicuri8310]

Thanks so much! I discovered mince pies in England in ‘67 and loved them, though shop bought and with custard! Now I’ll enjoy your gorgeous version!

[@seasmacfarlane6418]

Love your channel and your recipes, and the friendly way you present and explain everything. More please ! 😃❤️

[@sundancita]

You are so delightful! Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@HILARI333]

Excellent--wonderful video ! Thank you for the holiday cheer and inspriration! So fun hearing abuut the royal family traditions.

[@Oldpigsass]

I make a very similar mixture, but with about half as much sugar. Then before I stuff the pie shells, I mix into it a generous amount of ginger marmalade. It makes them much more unctuous.

[@seitch1]

Thanks for the wonderful recipe Darren. It looks delicious and I was searching for a mincemeat recipe. I'll need to try your recipe. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas!

[@Lucky4991]

They look so delicious Darren! Thank you for sharing merry Christmas to you!!

[@richardbergmark6722]

Thank you Chef! A blessed Christmas to you and yours! Your look during the loading of the pastry bag is a great Christmas gift. Thank you!!!

[@MS-yr2jf]

Thank you! I love your videos and sending holiday wishes to you, Winston, and your family!

[@christinesum2328]

Merry Christmas Chef McGrady, love your sense of humour! Keep making more videos.

[@margareth5501]

Brilliant! Happy Christmas to you and Winston!

[@donnaokoniewski3761]

OMG that looks sooooooooo good!!! Thank you so much for sharing Wishing you and yours a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. xo

[@tommuscatello5999]

So wonderful to see you in action. My favorite tarts. Thank you. Best holiday wishes 2022

[@mikeoswald8053]

Oh golly! First the spice selection from you that is excellent. Now this wonderful recipe for our first big family get to gather in Florida! Thank you Darren and Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

[@maureenrhysjones4643]

How very yum! Thank YOU for posting! Subscribed and look forward to more deliciousness. Happy New Year! xx

[@mgparis]

Wishing you and your lovely family a very happy Christmas!

[@laughingdogink155]

Thank You for this fabulous creation of yours! Merry Christmas to you, too! 🎄⛄✨

[@veronicajean3612]

My dad loved minced meat pies. He would have loved the brandy butter addition. I now like them after so many years of not. I will try theBB

[@normamurray4450]

Oh my goodness Darren, you brought back memories I have of my Grandma who came from England and she baked some similar goodies for the family. I am resurrecting some of her recipes and introducing them to my kids to hopefully carry on the tradition. I really enjoyed watching you bake! Thank you!

[@gailsears2913]

How scrumptious! Merry Christmas!

[@magssnoops]

Thank you Darren. Love your Channel. Have a blessed Christmas. From the UK.

[@TheFozzie1990]

Darren you're so lovely and fun to watch, thank you for putting some warmth in my heart this cold winters day.

[@lilahasson5110]

Merry Christmas Darren! May your New Year be be blessed with Happiness and Good Health!🎄

[@andreawhite7112]

I just made these and I think this is the best mince I have ever tasted. Additionally the pastry is so delicious and flaky…a definite winner! Happy Christmas Darren!

[@loveshoonya388]

Thank you for making it so easy to flow, that’s why I love your channel ❤️🙏

[@rsoubiea]

Merry Christmas Darren! I hope yougot to see your family. love watching you cook, thank you! ❤

[@along5925]

Thank you so very very much. A blessed and merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@suemccoy7533]

The minced pies look delicious. These were my father's favorite! Merry Christmas to you, your lovely family and of course Winston.

[@mariw1298]

I think I will make these next Christmas! Thank you so much! Happy New Year!

[@rioseven9123]

OMG! Can't wait to try these. Thank you so much for sharing and have the merriest Christmas ever! (You too, Winston!)

[@haakonsmith6335]

It looks absolutely delicious. Thank you!

[@rosannekratoska6212]

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas Darren!

[@dianarutecki9810]

Delicious

[@thomasonmike7170]

Hi pretty lady. How are you doing today? How is the weather there

[@Janniejoon]

I love when Winston makes an appearance! My dad's favorite pie, not mine so much. But these sound so good, I may need to give them another try. ☺ Happy Holidays! 🎄❤💚

[@irinak5674]

Thank you so much for the recipe! I read about mince pies in the House and Garden magazine but had no idea what it was. I have now subscribed to your channel 😊 You explain everything so well.

[@honeyvitagliano3227]

Omgoodness !! LOVE Especially how you can prepare it so ahead of the holidays tooo!!

[@RG-ja34sep]

Chef Darren you are special. The mince filling looks amazing with all those ingredients, thanks so much for this recipe! I would never have thought of the brandy butter. I have got to try this tomorrow! I truly enjoy your personality and the videos, take care. Merry Christmas to you and the family, and of course, not forgetting Winston!

[@telecasterbear]

I have been making your recipe for the queen's scones for a few years now. It is always a winner. Best wishes for your new year.

[@redwoods7370]

I found myself unconsciously opening my mouth to take a bite at the end of the video! Ha ha ha ha! I have never done that before. Happiest of holidays to you Darren and all your viewers.

[@cookingwithuweraniyonshuti]

Thank you for sharing this recipe Chef Darren. I am going to try it!❤

[@rebeccabourque7704]

Merry Christmas to you and your family🎄

[@WendyInCollingwood]

🎄 Very Warm Wishes For A Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 🥳 Gracious Thank You For Sharing Your Majestic Recipes 🥰

[@The_Smith]

No suet? this recipe looks great, will have to remember it this fall when I'm trying to figure what to do with all the apples from my trees. Merry Christmas Winston! , and you too Darren.

[@sasprilla5]

Thank you for sharing this delightful recipe! I will definitely give this a try.

[@sallybuskey952]

I've only had Mince pie once in my life. My mother-in-law was Canadian and she made it. It was delicious! So now I have your recipe. Thank you so much!

[@annamkav1]

Happy Christmas Darren. I enjoy your channel so much

[@thomasonmike7170]

Hi pretty lady. How are you doing today? And how is the weather over there?

[@karnubawax]

My grandma made little tarts by just laying down the round of pastry, spooning on the mincemeat, folding it over and crimping the edges with a fork. Her pastry had poppyseeds in it. It's one of my fondest memories of Christmas on the central California coast!

[@JustAThought155]

Nice!!! Great to see you Darren, oh, and Winston as well!!!😂! Happy Christmas to you and yours!🎄🎁🥘

[@patriciamoranatheras7934]

Fantastic recipe, thank you for sharing 😊

[@pennysmith6657]

These look delicious. I love brandy anything, so I'll try them this year. Your scones are still the best! Merry Christmas...thanks for the recipes and stories.

[@laurenschenck5355]

Merry Christmas DARREN!! YOUR THE BEST ☃️💚❤️☃️

[@alexandrapeters4964]

These look delicious! Thank you for sharing your recipe.

[@KateHartsell1964]

Thank you Darren for a wonderful year of cooking, Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[@thomasonmike7170]

Hi pretty lady. How are you doing today? And how is the weather over there???

[@tomsdotter3228]

Fabulous! We love mincemeat. Thank you!

[@sallygordon7637]

Chef Darren I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas, and mine was peaceful. I love your recipe of the mini mince pies. It looks better than making a pie from scratch several years ago, I made it for Christmas, took time to get it done correctly, was when my Mom and Grandmother was still alive in the 1980's, etc. Sounds like your recipe is easy to do now. I am not baking now, taking of my small dogs & cats, etc. Have a Happy New Year in 2023 !

[@barbarapoore3496]

Finally, a British Mincemeat Pie recipe with brandy butter. Married into a British family and wanted to serve a family favorite. Thanks!!

[@thomasonmike7170]

Hi pretty lady. How are you doing today? And how is the weather over there??

[@kidd00]

Merry Christmas Mr McGrady! I really love this recipe :)

[@captainwendell]

I really enjoy your postings. They are fun, informative, and delicious. I have tried many of the recipes and have enjoyed them all. Happy Christmas from Seattle WA USA

[@jadakowers590]

Love mince pie! Thanks so much for sharing the Brandy Butter! I’d never heard of it before! Merry Christmas!

[@julejustjule]

Merry Christmas Chef!

[@sirmadam8183]

Really enjoy these videos. Delicious recipe. Thank you!

[@jacobfranz1204]

Merry Christmas Darren to you and your " absolutely gorgeous" family, and of course to your invaluable asst. Chef Winston. You are so truly blessed, so are we for your moving across the pond. May you and your family have the most spectacular New Year ever. Yes Winston that means you too. God Bless you and your family. You are truly the best present America ever got.

[@helentew6393]

Darren they look super delicious, I just might try the recipe, thank you so much for sharing.

[@aprilwilliamson7738]

The recipe sounds and looks wonderful .

[@anacatalinalopezlutz3143]

It is a joy to watch your videos!! ❤

[@Atheenah]

Merry Christmas, chef!

[@arianemariano3807]

Gorgeous! Merry Christmas ❤🎅🏼

[@louisaleroux3484]

Thank you Darren. I could never eat fruit cake b/c of that awful candied fruit peeling but your recipe looks absolutely perfect. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. Stay safe and see you next time. Regards from France

[@jackieellenbarnes1268]

Merry Christmas to you and your Family 🎅🏼🎄🎅🏼

[@didisinclair3605]

These looked divine when you pulled them out of the oven.. but then you put the brandy butter on them... wooooooo!!! Merry Christmas, Darren, to you and yours!

[@HILARI333]

Happy Christmas to you and yours !

[@cosmicmauve]

Looks so delicious!

[@denisevettraino7916]

I LOVE your sense of humor, Darren...Merry Christmas :)

[@thomasonmike7170]

Hi pretty lady. How are you doing today? And how is the weather over there????

[@babacalouche]

I love this kind of recipe, it connects me with the XIX century in England...looks old fashioned and i like it. Thank you Darren.

[@djlondon7956]

It's a pleasure to watch Darren: he's mastered his craft.

[@user-xp5qx8wg9x]

Thanks for the great demo and recipes! I can't wait to try them. I would have just rolled the brandy butter into a log and sliced them but your professional touch is so much better. Thanks again and Merry Christmas.

[@adrienneterzen2604]

I just love this recipe….it’s everything about Christmas 🎄 ❤

[@reneemellott8612]

Aww thank you!!! These look amazing 😊