Probably the best mince pie recipe in the world ...

Several years ago my dear mummy gave me the very best mince pie recipe. It was given to her by a dear friend, and our Christmas's just wouldn't be the same without it. I have to confess that the first time I made them it took me all day, and I swore I would never make them again! How ridiculous to make mince pies that take all day when I can simple buy them from Sainsbury's! My mum would patiently reply that they taste so much better, and that they were worth it. She was right, as always. The taste, the smell, the crumbly almond pastry - yum, yum - seriously addictive.

So when Mummy got poorly and I started to host Christmas I knew I would have to take over the mince pie duties. I made them to please Mum, and now even though she's not here I still make them in her memory. I have actually grown to love making them - and yes they still take me all day to make.

This year they actually took me two days. I always make a massive batch - umm, I lost count at 7 dozen. Some of them will be given to the sisters I visiting teach, and some to our neighbours, Jarom and Jason have already eaten way to many. I really want to save them for Christmas week, so I've frozen the rest.

Speaking of gifts. We really enjoyed the Christmas devotional on Sunday, and Jason and I especially liked this version of 'What shall we give the the babe in the Manger?', just beautiful. I hope you enjoy it too.