Uncategorized

How to make festive mince pies

Warm mince pies are a quintessential festive treat. If you haven’t made your own mince, just use a shop-bought jar with this delicious shortcrust – or try a maple pecan filling

Christmas mince pies are de rigueur in December. Fruit mince takes months to mature in the jar but a good homemade mince pie can be produced with an easy rich shortcrust pastry and three-quarters of a jar of store-bought fruit mince.

How to make mince pies

Place 1 heaped cup plain flour, a pinch salt and 100g cold butter in a processor and pulse to fine crumbs (or rub butter into flour with fingertips). Add 1 egg yolk, 30g sugar and just enough ice-cold water to form a dough when pulsed or mixed. Don’t knead, just form it into a ball, wrap it and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 190°C and use a cutter or glass to cut discs of rolled pastry to fit your greased pans; crimp edges with a fork if desired. Place 1 tsp fruit mince into each one – don’t overfill or they’ll spill over and stick to the pans. Top with a pastry star or other shape and bake for around 15 minutes until pale golden. Remove from the pans while still warm. Makes around 15.

Spiced shortcrust pastry

Make a spiced shortcrust pastry by adding 1 tsp cinnamon and ½ tsp mixed spice to the flour. If you prefer jam tarts, three-quarters fill cases with a good-quality jam.

Maple pecan pies

For a change from fruit mince, make maple pecan pies using the same rich shortcrust pastry. Heat ½ cup brown sugar and 1/3 cup golden syrup in a small saucepan with 1 tsp vanilla essence and 2 Tbsp butter. When melted, set aside to cool and then add 1 egg and 1 Tbsp cream or crème fraîche.

Stir in ¼ cup chopped pecans. Spoon mixture into greased, pastry-lined pans and top with whole pecans. Bake at 190°C for 10-15 minutes. The filling will settle once cooled. Serve warm or cold. Makes around 18.

Related stories

Christmas fig mince pies
Dessert

Christmas fig mince pies

Delight your family with these homemade Christmas mince pies. We've combined figs, cranberries and raisins to create a wonderfully sweet filling for these beautiful tarts.

Mince pies three ways
Dessert

Mince pies three ways

Unleash your creativity whipping up these minced fruit and nut pies with a brandy kick. They can be shaped into stars, snowflakes or topped with sweet meringue to offer something for everyone at your next special social gathering.



chocolate fruit mince and gingerbread tarts
Dessert

Chocolate fruit mince and gingerbread tarts

Gingerbread cases can be made 3 days ahead; store in an airtight container. Assemble tarts on the day of serving. Top with caramel shards just before serving, as they will slowly melt, especially in humid weather. Note