Caroline Cowan makes some Christmas Mince Pies

1. Place flour & salt in a bowl. Cut butter into cubes, with your fingers turn into a crumble-like mixture.
2. Stir in caster sugar, then add egg yolk and mix quickly with a palette knife. Add water a little at a time until mixture is drawn together into a dough.
3. Press into a ball, wrap in clingfilm and chill for at least 10 minutes.

Quick Mincemeat Recipe: (Best made a month in advance)

• In a bowl, mix together 110g sultanas, 170g each raisins and currants, 170g grated Bramley apples, 110g suet, 200g soft brown sugar, 100g finely chopped mixed peel, 65g blanched and chopped almonds, ½ tbsp mixed spice, the zest and juice of 1 orange and a splash of brandy.
• Wash some clean jars in soapy water, rinse and dry in a warm oven. Spoon the mincemeat into the sterilised jars and seal. This will keep for 12 months.

1. Pre-heat oven to 180°C. Thinly roll out pastry onto a floured surface. Press out 12 circles with a 8cm cutter and use to line a 12-hole mince pie tin.
2. Using a star-shaped cutter, press out 12 star lids for mince pies. Spoon 1tsp of mincemeat into each pastry case and brush the edge of pastry with a little water and top with a star lid. Brush tops with a little milk.
3. Place in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the pastry turns golden brown.