Mince pie is a delicious and traditional holiday treat. If you want to try your hand at making your own this year, here’s an easy recipe that anyone can follow!
Ingredients:

  • 225g diced butter
  • 350g plain flour
  • 100g caster sugar
  • Salt
  • 280g mincemeat
  • 1 egg
  • Icing sugar for dusting

Method:

  • To make the pastry, you will need to rub the butter and flour together.
  • Add the caster suar and a pinch of salt to the mixture and mix well.
  • Roll the pastry into a ball and knead for a few minutes. DO NOT add any liquid!
  • The dough should be firm like that of shortbread.
  • Use the dough immediately or chill until the filling is ready.
  • Preheat your oven to 200 (gas) or 180 (fan) degrees Celsius.
  • Divide the pastry into two portions (one slightly larger than the other). Divide the larger one into 18 equal portions and press into 18 lined holes of a patty tin.
  • Spoon equal portions of mincemeat into the pies.
  • Divide the rest of the dough into 18 equal portions and roll them into balls.
  • Flatten each ball of dough and place on top of each pie. Make sure that you press the edges gently to create a seal. You need not use any egg or milk to seal.
  • If you are preparing your pies in advance, you can freeze for up to one month. If you do, you should remember not to use thawed out meat. Food should never be frozen, thawed, and frozen again.
  • Beat the egg and brush over the tops of your pies.
  • Bake for 20 minutes until the pies are golden.
  • Remove from your oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes before placing on a wire rack to continue cooling.
  • Dust lightly with icing sugar before serving.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.