Mince Pies

Ingredients​

• 250g plain flour​

• 125g unsalted butter, softened​

• 50g caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling​

• 2 medium eggs, 1 is for glazing​​

• 1 large jar mincemeat (about 400g)​

• 1 satsumas, segmented (optional)​

• 1 medium Apple, finely chopped (optional)​

• zest 1 Lemon (optional)

Method

1. Sift 250g plain flour into a bowl.​ 

2. Cut 125g of cold hard butter or butter and lard into small pieces and add to the flour.​ 

3. Rub the fat into the flour, using your fingertips, until it resembles breadcrumbs.​ 

4. Stir in the 50g sugar. Add the egg YOLK. Add 3/4 x 15ml spoons cold water and start to mix together.​ 

5. Mix to form a firm, smooth dough. DO NOT KNEAD!​ 

6. Allow to rest in cling film while you make your filling.​ 

7. To make the filling, turn the mincemeat out into a bowl, grate the zest of the tangerines into the mincemeat, then peel and chop the fruit. Throw the tangerine and apple pieces into the bowl and mix with a wooden spoon.​

8. Preheat the oven to 200°C/ gas mark 8​.

9. Cut the pastry ball in half and roll out to the thickness of a £1 coin​.

10. Cut into 3 inch (7.5cm) rounds​.

11. Line the tins and then carefully spoon in the mincemeat​.

12. Decorate the mince pies with stars, solid lids or a decoration of your own choice.​ 

13. Bake for 15-20 mins until golden brown. ​