A Searcher's Cookbook - Not-so-Homemade, Homemade Mince Pies

A Searcher's Cookbook


Mince Pies! 

It's Christmas baking time! Actually, it's LATE MINUTE Christmas baking time!

Sure, there are still a few days left to bake, but who has time to properly bake some Christmas treats without too much fuss? 

Well, today I will walk you through how to make your very own homemade mince pies... 

but just between me and you, they aren't "entirely" homemade. 

[At the end of the post you can find a mincemeat filling recipe for those wanting to make their own!]

Now, the mince pie. It's a UK/Irish tradition! During the holiday season, you see wee mince pies everywhere you go! You can't get away from them! So, I decided to do a little research into this classic Christmas treat, and even tried to make my own! All you need to know, after the jump!

Quick Mince Pie History

• It's a small British sweet traditionally served during Christmas time.
• Ingrediants traceable to the 13th Century. 
• Originally contained minced meat. Came from Middle Eastern cooking methods of meat with fruit and spices. 
• During the Elizabethan and Jacobean times they were also known as minched pies and mutton pies
• In the Victorian age, they started to exclude meat. 

Mince Pie Folklore 

• Mixture stirred in a clockwise direction for good luck. 
• Eat one mince pie on each of the 12 days of Christmas, ending on the 6th of January. 
• Wish while eating your first pie of the season
• Should be eaten in silence
• Unlucky to cut with a knife 

Not-so-Homemade, Homemade Mince Pie

RECIPE 

680g/24oz Ready to Roll Short Crust Pastry

450/16oz sweet mince meat

1 egg to glaze, beaten

a handful of flour for dusting

2 tbsp water

Step 1: 

Preheat oven to 200*C/390*F 

Step 2: 

Roll pastry, sprinkle flour roll into a thin sheet. 

Step 3: 

Use a 8cm cookie cutter (or anything with a diameter of 8cm) to cut out 12 circles. I used a glass from my cupboard!

Step 4: 

Gently press the circles down into bottom of muffin tins

Step5: 

Fill each bottom with mincemeat. About a spoon full.

Step 6: 

Re-roll pastry (use a smaller cutter, or decorate with stars)

Step 7:
Brush lids with water and place wet side down on mincemeat. Press to seal. Brush lids with beaten egg.

Step 8:
Bake for 20mins until golden brown. But just keep an eye on them!

Step 9:
Let cool. Sprinkle on some icing sugar!
Best served warm with fresh cream!

YUM!

Happy Christmas!!!

Keep Smilin'
M.

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Mincemeat Filling Recipe

225g Bramley apples, cored and chopped
110g shredded suet
175g raisins
110g sultanas
110g currants
110g mixed candied peel, chopped finely
175g dark brown sugar
Grated zest and juice of 1 orange and 1 lemon
25g blanched almonds, chopped
2 tsp ground mixed spice
1tsp cinnamon
Pinch of grated nutmeg
3 tbsp brandy

Makes enough to fill 3x350ml jars.
Mix all ingredients into a large pot, bring to a boil  over medium heat, stirring often. Reduce heat to med/low and simmer for 25-30 mins until liquid evaporates.
Transfer to a large bowl and cool.

YUM!