Backstory: Mince Pies

The mince pie is one of the least understood, most maligned, and sometimes subversive Christmas traditions we have. And yet, it’s still here. With its pastry crust and spiced — and often, boozy — fruit filling, it’s a survivor. And its story touches on hallucinogens, Prohibition, food preservation, the Puritans, and a Christmas dessert with a bad-boy reputation. A dessert that’s as American as, well...as American as mince pie. Thanks to Veronique Greenwood for appearing in this episode.Be sure to check out the "Definitive Directory of Christmas Podcasts"Share a Christmas memory on the podcast! Just record a voice memo into your phone and send it to [email protected]. Keep it reasonably short, clean and family friendly, and be sure to say your name and where you're from. Keep in [email protected] pageFacebook groupTwitterInstagramMusic in this episodeWish Background  — Kevin MacLeod via IncompetechDenzel Sprak — BlueDot Sessions, via Free Music ArchiveBurned — Podington Bear, via Free Music ArchiveTwinkle in the Night — Aakash Gandhi, via YouTube Audio LibraryStille Nacht — Don Maue, shared directly by the artistConnect with Me Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links Email: [email protected] BooksOf Christmases Long, Long Ago: Surprising Traditions from Christmas Past (2025, Lyons Press and Recorded Books) It's Christmas as you've never seen it before, and it makes a great gift for all the Christmas lovers in your life. Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)