Mince pies

[chadspad]

Now I realise most of u will probably know how to make these but ive only just conquered them and now Im having to make hundreds for people as my admittance charge!! U dont need to add any water with this pastry and its the tastiest ive ever made.
This amount should make about 30.

Shortcrust pastry
275g butter
450g plain flour
Large sprinkling of cinnamon powder
Large sprinkling of nutmeg powder
150g sugar
1 egg beaten
450g mincemeat
Ginger paste (optional)
Egg white, sugar and cinnamon for topping


Rub the butter into the flour until like breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar & then the beaten egg. Mix together then use hand to form into a dough. Chill for 30 minutes. Roll out pastry (this is easiest done by taking a small piece at a time, squidging it in your hand for a while until it is warmer and smoother) and using a 3" cutter, cut rounds. I dont have a patty case so I use a the shape of my yorkshire pudding tin to press the pastry into, then place the bottom piece into a paper case - it works really well! Mix the ginger paste in with the mincemeat - this just gives it a bit of spice, u dont need to use it if u dont like it. Fill the cases. Still use a 3" cutter for the tops and dampen them with water round the rims, place on top of the bottoms. Prick the tops with a sharp knife. Bake at 200°C (400°F) mark 6 for 10 minutes. Take out of oven and brush with egg white then sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Return for another 10 minutes.

The tops stay on tight and dont shrink, the mincemeat doesnt fall out of the top.
I have also made these but with apple sauce and cinnamon in the middles - they are equally as good.

[glenniedragon]

I put a marzipan and icing topping on mine instead of a pastry top- you cook them open like jam tarts then put the tops on when they're still warm, I have to make 2 dozen in readiness just for my father!

kind thoughts
Deb

[Merry]

Marzipan and icing?
Mmmm - they`d taste like little mini Christmas cakes wouldn`t they?
Yummy!

[legendaryone]

I pop a little ball of marzipan into each one then put the lid on