The Mince Pie Project: Top chefs helping to fight food poverty

08-Nov-2013 - Last updated on 27-Apr-2021 at 07:41 GMT

Previous mince pie creations have included a deep fried mince pie, the use of sweet potato mincemeat, earl grey and bergamot pastry, and a mince pie macaron

The Mince Pie Project, the annual mince pie auction and raffle featuring baked delights from some of the UK’s leading chefs, has re-launched for 2013 with Michel Roux Jr, Michael Caines and Raymond Blanc all on-board.

Over 100 chefs are set to be involved this year; each creating two boxes of signature mince pies of their own design – one of which will be auctioned to the highest bidder and the second put up for raffle.

"It’s exciting to be involved in The Mince Pie Project again this year," said Roux Jr. "It’s a unique project involving creativity and healthy competition to raise money for a great cause during the festive season."

Last year, Dan Doherty took the crown, raising £1,900 for his box of gingerbread-flavoured mince pies. The Projects always attract some of the world’s most formidable culinary talent, with Marcus Wareing, Tom Aikens and Jason Atherton also involved this year.

Mince pie marvels

Previous mince pie creations have included a deep fried mince pie, the use of sweet potato mincemeat, earl grey and bergamot pastry, and a mince pie macaron.

This year, The Mince Pie Project has decided to name FoodCycle and Kids Company as its two charities, to which all proceeds from the project will go.

FoodCycle builds communities by combining volunteers, surplus food and spare kitchen space to create nutritious meals for people at risk of food poverty and social isolation. And Kids Company provides practical, emotional and educational support to 36,000 vulnerable inner-city children.

Some of the chefs confirmed to take part so far this year include: