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!
- If desired, make one large mince pie instead of small, individual pies.
Bon appétit!
