Mincemeat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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mincemeat
[ˈmɪnsmɪt ]
Definition
food preparation
Mincemeat is a mixture of chopped dried fruits, spices, and sometimes meat, traditionally used as a filling in pies, most famously in mince pies. It can include ingredients like raisins, currants, and apples, along with suet or butter for richness. The term can also refer to the sweet filling used in various desserts.
Synonyms
conserve, filling, pie filling.
Examples of usage
- I baked a delicious mincemeat pie for Christmas.
- The mincemeat was a blend of apples and spices.
- She enjoyed the tradition of making mincemeat for the holiday season.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Culinary History
- In medieval England, mincemeat was often a spiced meat dish, served as a way to preserve meat over winter.
- By the Victorian era, the sweet version became popular, incorporating ingredients like apples, raisins, and brandy.
Cultural Significance
- Mincemeat pie is a traditional dessert served during Christmas in many English-speaking countries.
- Its preparation often involves family and friends, highlighting the communal aspect of holiday cooking.
Pop Culture
- Mincemeat has appeared in popular literature, including Charles Dickens' works, as a symbol of festive abundance.
- In the film 'A Christmas Carol', the character Ebenezer Scrooge famously learns the joy of sharing food like mincemeat pie.
Nutrition
- Modern mincemeat is often rich in fiber due to the dried fruits, making it a sweeter choice than many traditional meat dishes.
- It's also a source of antioxidants from the fruits, offering potential health benefits when enjoyed in moderation.
Origin of 'mincemeat'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'mincemeat' comes from the term 'mince', which means to cut into small pieces, and originally referred to any finely chopped meat.
- Historically, mincemeat was made with actual meat, but over time, it evolved to include mostly fruits and spices.
The word 'mincemeat' originates from the late 14th century and is derived from the term 'mince', which means to chop or cut into small pieces. Initially, mincemeat referred to a mixture of chopped, minced meat and fruits. This was common in medieval cuisine, where preserved meats combined with fruits and spices created a flavorful dish that lasted longer. Over time, the mixture evolved to focus primarily on the sweet filling made from dried fruits and spices, especially during the holiday season. The use of beef or other meats became less prevalent, leading to the modern interpretation of mincemeat primarily as a sweet filling for desserts, particularly mince pies associated with Christmas festivities. Today, mincemeat is often made with little to no actual meat and is celebrated as a traditional sweet treat.