Mince Pie: Christmas Recipe

Ingredients

• Pastry
• 300g all-purpose flour
• 150g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 50g icing sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1-2 tbsp cold water
• Mincemeat Filling
• 250g mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas)
• 100g brown sugar
• 50g unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large apple, peeled and grated
• 1 orange, juice and zest
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 50ml brandy or rum (optional)
• Egg wash
• 1 large egg, beaten with a splash of milk

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4.
2. First, make the pastry. In a large bowl, combine the flour, butter and icing sugar and rub them together with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Add the beaten egg and mix gently to combine. Add the cold water a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the pastry comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Wrap the pastry in clingfilm and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
4. While the pastry is chilling, make the mincemeat filling. In a large bowl, mix together the mixed dried fruits, brown sugar, melted butter, grated apple, orange juice and zest, mixed spice, ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg. Add the brandy or rum, if using, and mix well.
5. Roll out the pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 3mm. Use a 9cm cutter to cut out circles of pastry and press them into a 12-hole muffin tin. Add a spoonful of the mincemeat filling to each pastry case.
6. Roll out the remaining pastry and cut out smaller circles to fit on top of the mincemeat filling. Brush each pastry lid with the egg wash.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Verdict and Serving Suggestions

Mince pies are a staple Christmas treat, and this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. The pastry is buttery and rich, while the mincemeat filling is sweet, fruity and spiced with warming Christmas flavours. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious festive dessert.