February 14 is Valentine’s Day and what could be more synonymous with Valentine’s than Chocolate? Although Valentine’s Day dates back to Roman times the connection with Chocolate is more recent. It wasn’t until the 19th Century when Richard Cadbury developed a means of producing chocolate bars that not only tasted great but were also economical to produce. Previously chocolate was very expensive and limited to the elite. Since then marketing and the development of the heart-shaped chocolate box have really pushed chocolate into the mainstream as a gift connected with romance.  

Where would we be without a warm mince pie to have with a glass of mulled wine or cup of tea when the carol singers call. Or a dainty little mince pie with a dab of cream, to munch while we’re watching Titanic for the nineteenth time! Mince pies are the favourite treat of the season. It’s interesting to note though, that these delicious mouthfuls were not always made from dried fruit. Mince pies date back to the 13th century, thought to have been introduced from the Middle East. They were made originally from meat, hence the name. In early recipes, minced mutton or beef was mixed with spices and suet and sometimes dried fruits. By the 16th Century, mince pies were popular as a festive treat. As their popularity grew, slowly but surely, the meat was replaced by more fruit and the addition of nuts. The mince pies we know and love today were born.