For the Shortcrust Pastry:

170g Plain Flour & Pinch of Salt

100g Cold Unsalted Butter

1tbsp Caster Sugar

1 Large Free Range Egg Yolk

2tbsp Water

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.

  • words:
  • pictures: David Merewether

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