Hot Desserts Recipes - Mince Pies Recipe

Ingredients

• 150g/5oz butter, cut into pieces

• 225g/8oz plain flour

• 50g/2oz ground almonds

• 25g/1ox caster sugar

• a few drops of almond essence

• Grated zest of 1 orange

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 tbsp water

• 225g/8oz mincemeat

• 1 egg white, lightly beaten

Serves 4-6

---

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas mark 6. Rub the butter into the flour. Add the almonds, sugar, almond essence, orange zest, egg yolk and water and mix to form a firm dough.

2. Knead briefly on a floured surface, then wrap and chill for 30 minutes. Roll out thinly and stamp out 12 rounds, about 7.5cm/3in. Use the pastry to line 12 bun tins. Spoon in the mincemeat to come two-thirds of the way up the bun tins.

3. Use the remaining pastry to cut into seasonal shapes - such as holly leaves or Christmas trees, and place on top of the mincemeat. Bake for 20 minutes until crisp and golden brown. Serve with cream or brandy butter.