first batch after a quality control check! I've had a busy week at work and with sewing orders, it suddenly went mad and everyone wanting lavender stacks. Thankfully its quieter now and gave me time to make mince pies to take to my family in London tomorrow. I did have one sort of famous order from a lady called Violet Hesketh, surely there can't be two people with the same name? I was about to post the order when I thought 'I know that name from somewhere' so googled her (like you do). How funny. I don't like shop bought mince pies; the pastry is always too dry and when you bite into them where is the filling? It's more satisfy making your own pastry and spending an hour or two with the radio on baking. Tonight I had the house to myself and made 45 little mince pies; some with normal mincemeat and some with a new one I found with added cranberries and a rich red puree. I always enjoy baking and popping on star biscuits for the top, and the smell of home-