How To Make The Ultimate Mince Pies

How To Make The Ultimate Mince Pies

Are you ready to indulge in the ultimate holiday treat? Look no further than the classic British delicacy – mince pies! With their buttery pastry and rich, fruity filling, these little treats are a must-have during the festive season. In this blog post, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make the ultimate mince pies that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 225g plain flour
• 100g cold unsalted butter, diced
• 25g ground almonds
• 1 tbsp caster sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 4-5 tbsp cold water
• 400g jar of mincemeat
• Milk, for brushing
• Icing sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the pastry

1. In a large bowl, combine the plain flour, diced butter, ground almonds, caster sugar, and salt. Rub the mixture together with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll out the pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry to a thickness of about 3mm.
3. Using a round pastry cutter, cut out circles slightly bigger than the indentations of your mince pie tin.

Step 3: Fill the pies

1. Grease your mince pie tin with a little bit of butter.
2. Place the pastry circles into the tin, gently pressing them into the indentations.
3. Spoon about a teaspoon of mincemeat into each pastry case.
4. You can also add a sprinkle of optional extras, such as chopped nuts or a splash of brandy, for an extra festive touch.

Step 4: Add the pastry lids

1. Roll out the leftover pastry and cut out smaller circles to fit as lids for your mince pies.
2. Place the lids on top of the mincemeat-filled cases and press gently to seal the edges.

Step 5: Bake and serve

1. Brush the pastry lids with a little bit of milk for a golden finish.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the pastry turns golden brown.
3. Remove the mince pies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
4. Once cooled, dust with icing sugar for a festive touch.
5. Serve your homemade mince pies with a dollop of clotted cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

And there you have it – your very own batch of ultimate mince pies! These delicious treats are perfect for sharing with loved ones or for enjoying all by yourself on a cozy winter evening. So go ahead, put on your apron, and let the festive baking begin!