Mince pies are one of the best things about Christmas. The burst of clementine, cinnamon and mincemeat makes this once-a-year treat one of the best around.
In Britain we assume that mince pies are a tradition of our own, however, the idea actually started in the middle east back in the 1200s.
Still, since the invention was brought over to the UK, we’ve had plenty of time to perfect our mincemeat recipes and make just about every variation under the sun.
Leeds’ mince pie concoctions come in all shapes and sizes this year, ranging from bao buns and french toast, to pancakes and more
There are plenty to choose from, but we’ve put together our favourite Leeds-based creations below.
Keep reading to discover the ones you absolutely need to try before Christmas
Brew and Brownie
It doesn’t get more festive than a lazy Sunday afternoon in a coffee shop and this Brew and Brownie seasonal special is all you need to get in the Christmas spirit. We’re talking mince pie brioche french toast with Bailey’s cream, marzipan crumble and spiced orange syrup – the ultimate festive indulgence.
Brew and Brownie is an indie family run cafe that serves a huge variety of homemade cakes and speciality coffee. Of course, their brownies are delicious, but with a festive mince pie combination available as either french toast or on a pancake stack, there’s a chance these might become new cafe favourites.
Sift Otley
Nothing tastes quite as good as a homemade mince pie, and that’s where Sift in Otley comes in. Made with Rosebud preserves, orange and almond mincemeat, made-in-store pastry and dusted in icing sugar, these sweet treats make an ideal afternoon snack whilst hiding from the winter drizzle.
The vegetarian cafe and bakery is open Tuesday to Sunday with varying opening times, depending on the weekday. Make sure you plan ahead to make sure you get there in time to try out a mince pie or slice of cake.
Little Bao Boy
The addition of deep-fried mince pie bao buns to the Christmas menu here was a fine choice in our eyes. The collection came shortly after the Little Bao Boy X Doh’hut menu.
This bao bun is deep-fried and tossed in sugar before the middle is crammed with mince pie filling to give it a crunchy, yet still chewy, texture. If you needed any more excuses to get yourself a never-seen-before festive treat, this is it. On the menu, you’ll also find a savoury option with everyone’s favourite Christmas dinner dish: pigs in blankets.
Coffee Rules Everything Around Me
If you’re not yet acquainted with C.R.E.A.M in Halifax, you should be. Not only do they offer an incredible bottomless brunch menu with unlimited espresso martinis and an all-you-can-drink remote workers offer with a free post-work pint, but they also have a unique Christmas menu.
Their mince pie on french toast is a festive staple that can be found alongside all the best winter warmer meals like stacks of pancakes, pigs in blankets and Baileys hot chocolates.
Read More: There’s a Downing Street-inspired cheese and Wine Business Meeting’ party happening in Yorkshire
Crust and Crumb
Every year, Chapel Allerton residents make their lists and pass on their Christmas baked goods orders to Crust and Crumb’s Nicola. Available only as a pre-order this Christmas, mince pies are featured alongside her special cranberry and orange baked cheesecakes – another local favourite.
A feast for the eyes and the belly, with a keen eye for detail this coffee shop knows exactly what the public wants. If you’re looking for a gift for ‘the person that has everything’, Crust and Crumb will have you covered with Christmas coffee gift sets from locally roasted and hand blend coffee beans.
