CHRISTMAS MINCE PIES | Classic Recipe!

mincemeat

🥗Healthier: dried fruit mixture

💰Cheaper: homemade fruit filling

A dried fruit mixture is lower in sugar and can be made at home.

shortcrust pastry

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pastry

💰Cheaper: store-bought pastry

Whole wheat pastry adds fiber, while store-bought saves time.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is dairy-free and healthier, while margarine is often cheaper.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey is a natural sweetener, while brown sugar can be less expensive.

Sift 350 g of plain flour into a mixing bowl.

Add 100 g of icing sugar, 0.5 teaspoon of table salt, and the zest of an orange. Stir to combine.

Add 200 g of chilled unsalted butter cut into small pieces.

Rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Add 40 g of egg yolks and 1 teaspoon of vanilla paste, mixing until it forms a rough dough.

Knead the dough gently for about a minute until smooth, then flatten into a disc, wrap in cling film, and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Take the pastry out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Grease a 12-hole muffin tin with softened butter.

Roll out just over half of the pastry to about 3 mm thick.

Cut out 12 bases using a 9.5 cm round cutter and press them into the muffin tin.

Fill each pie with around 50 g of mince meat, leaving space for expansion.

Roll out the remaining pastry and cut out 12 lids using a 7.5 cm cutter.

Brush a small amount of egg wash around the lip of each pie.

Place a lid on each pie and press to seal the edges, then poke a hole in the center of each lid.

Chill the pies in the fridge for at least an hour before baking.

Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F) and place a baking tray inside to heat up.

Brush the tops of the pies with egg wash and sprinkle with deer sugar before baking.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

Run a pallet knife around the edges of the pies to prevent sticking, then let cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens