Christmas Mince Pies

Happy Christmas and New Year to all!  

During this time of year, baking is a huge tradition in my family.  Mince pies are a typical English food made for Christmas and New Year and are adored by all.  Traditionally, these pies were made with chopped meat, however this was replaced with a mixture of dried fruit, spices, nuts, suet, and alcohol (brandy or rum) in the 17th century.  British children leave these pies, along with a glass of sherry and a carrot for Rudolph, on the fireplace for Santa to enjoy after leaving their presents under the Christmas tree.

Ingredients

4 oz margarine

8 oz flour

Pinch of salt

8-10 tsp water

18 tsp mincemeat

1 egg, beaten

1 tbsp icing sugar

Directions

1. Place margarine, flour, and salt in a large bowl.  Cut margarine into smaller pieces and use the rubbing method: rub mixture between fingertips until crumbly with no large clumps.

2. Add 8 teaspoons water and form pastry into a ball (typically 1 teaspoon of water for every ounce of flour).

3. Sprinkle additional flour on counter top and rolling pin to prevent pastry from sticking.  Roll pastry until approximately 1/8 inch thick.

4. Use a circular cutter to cut 18 pie bases.  Place in a greased cupcake pan. 

5. Place 1 teaspoon mincemeat into each base.

6. Roll leftover pastry pieces together and again roll to 1/8 inch thick.  Use a smaller circular cutter to make the tops of the pies.  Press the base and top firmly together.

7. Poke 1 small hole in the middle of each pie.  With leftover pastry, use a holly shaped cutter to add decoration, if desired.

8. Brush beaten egg on each pie to aid in the cooking process.

9. Place in oven at 400F for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until pies are golden brown.

10. Allow pies to cool and sprinkle them with icing sugar for decoration.

11. Enjoy with a well deserved glass of sherry!

Yield: approx. 18 pies

TIPS

- If pastry breaks and will not roll into a ball, add 10 teaspoons of water instead of 8.

- Although this mincemeat is the same brand used throughout UK, it is actually produced for the American market and is more syrupy and sweeter than traditional mincemeat.  I found this one at my local HyVee store.
- If desired, make one large mince pie instead of small, individual pies.

Bon appétit!