Another Way to Make Mince Pies

The flavor team

The pairs that carry this dish. Each one is judged two ways: how much their aromas overlap, and how often cooks already put them together.

1. Cinnamon + nutmegtop 1% of all pairs
   Smell alikestrong
   Cooked together11,917 recipes

   Shared aroma: estragole (anise, licorice).

2. Cinnamon + clovetop 1% of all pairs
   Smell alikestrong
   Cooked together14,189 recipes

   Shared aroma: ethyl cinnamate (sweet, balsamic).

3. Clove + nutmegtop 1% of all pairs
   Smell alikestrong
   Cooked together8,686 recipes

   Shared aroma: estragole (anise, licorice).

4. Mace + nutmegtop 4% of all pairs
   Smell alikemoderate
   Cooked together6,557 recipes

   Shared aroma: myristicin (spice, warm).

5. Apple + cinnamontop 4% of all pairs
   Smell alikemoderate
   Cooked together5,598 recipes

   Shared aroma: methyl cinnamate (strawberry).

Ranks compare each pair with 20,000 random ingredient pairs on CompKitchen. How we score pairs

What each ingredient does

Suet

Adds richness and fat that keeps the filling moist and tender.

Currants

Provide chewy texture and natural sweetness throughout the filling.

Apples

Add moisture and body, giving the filling a soft, fruity texture.

Loaf sugar

Adds sweetness and helps preserve the filling.

Brandy

Adds aroma and helps preserve the filling.

Swap the currant

How well each one fits the dish's main ingredients (apple, sugar, lemon, mace, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg):

1. Orangefits better
2. Figfits better
3. Quincefits better
4. Currantthe original

Fit is the average pairing score against apple, sugar, lemon, mace, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg. Candidates are from the same food group and used in at least 100 recipes.