The folks at London, England-based Hackney Gelato are wishing frozen dessert enthusiasts in the UK and further afield a Merry Natale with their limited-edition Gelato Mince Pie. Winner of a 2021 Great Taste Award, this slow churned proper Italian ice cream is made with chunks of shortcrust pastry, plump raisins, festive spices and a generous splash of Pedro Ximenez.
Mince pies are very popular across the UK. Approximately 781 million of them were eaten throughout the country last year, with consumption rising sweetly during the festive season.
Having grown up in Italy, Hackney Gelato co-founder and master gelatiere Enrico Pavoncelli had never tried a mince pie before coming to Britain.
“We don’t eat them in Italy; we’re more about the panettone,” said Pavoncelli. “Mincemeat? In pastry? It didn’t sound right to me. But fellow chef and business partner Sam Newman convinced me it could work. After some experimentation in the kitchen, I think I might love our gelato even more than panettone.”
On the occasion of Hackney Gelato Mince Pie receiving a Great Taste Award earlier this year, a judge commented: “The spices leave a festive tingle on the tongue and the splash of sherry gives it a grown-up flourish. It’s full of all the nostalgic flavors and textures that make mince pies so special every Christmas.”
Featured on the dessert menus of upscale restaurants, the sweet treat is also available at 20 Waitrose stores across London and online via Ocado. Distribution is in 500ml tubs that retail for £5.49.
For those looking to enjoy the product in creative seasonal style, Pavoncelli and Newman suggest mixing things up a bit at home by baking a shortcrust pastry mince pie shell and filling it with a dollop of Hackney Gelato Mince Pie gelato. Add the final flourishes by scattering candied fruit peel and decorating with caramelized shortcrust crumble. Serve with a glass of Pedro Ximenez and indulge in a joyful culinary experience.
Here’s another idea: lightly toast a slice of Panettone and place a generous scoop of Gelato Mince Pie gelato on top. Add a light dusting of sugar and serve. Those feeling particularly peckish may be satisfied by adding a second slice of toasted Panettone and creating an ice cream sandwich.
