How to make the ultimate mince pies

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Posted at 11:11AM, 06 December 2011 by Lily Barclay - Writer, bbcgoodfood.com

It just wouldn't be Christmas without a festive mince pie or three - so we asked our Good Food experts and our Good Food fans to share their delicious tips. Here are our favourite suggestions for mince pie perfection...

What our experts say:

Add some rum

Cookery assistant, Adam Russell: "Add a shot of nice gold rum (like Appleton or Mount Gay the older the better) to the mincemeat mixture, brings a nice Christmassy alcoholic warmth to the pies."

Make them modern

Food editor, Barney Desmazery: "You can funk out and modernise a mince pie by swapping the topping - meringue, crumble and frangipane toppings are all nice."

Zest is best

Food editor, bbcgoodfood.com, Caroline Hire: "Add a little grated orange zest and a sprinkle of cinnamon to the pastry - delicious!"

Try them with chocolate

Cookery assistant, Cassie Best: "Chocolate orange mince pies are my ultimate indulgence. Add 100g chopped dark chocolate to a jar of shop bought mincemeat, the grated zest of 1 orange and 1 tbsp Grand Marnier...so naughty but nice!"

Keep your hands cold

Deputy food editor, Sarah Cook: "Light, crumbly, delicate pastry is the order of the day... whether you make your own or buy, it is important to keep it very cold - cold hands and marble rolling pin all help. And don't overwork - so if re-rolling trimmings bring together with as little work as possible, the more you work/roll/knead you pastry, the tougher it will get as the gluten develops."

What our Facebook fans say:

Sarah Richards Tapscott Home made mincemeat (has half a pint of brandy in it) hic!

Frances Vickers I top mine with a piped star of Viennese whirl mixture, then dust with icing sugar once baked. Mmm...

Elaine Caulfield Cream cheese mixed with a little fresh orange juice and zest on top of the mincemeat! Yum!

Mandy Cuthill I always put a circle of marzipan in the bottom of my pastry, then my mincemeat, then my lid and dust with golden caster sugar and bake delish!

Melanie Jenkins Use a muffin tin to make them really big - uses a lot of pastry and mincemeat, but worth it for a special treat.

Discover a wealth of mince pie recipes here.

Or join the debate on Facebook and let us know your tips.

Comments

ValerieCoker

7 December 2011, 2:05PM
ValerieCoker

I add Cointreau to my mincemeat - just a teaspooon to a jar - and give it a stir! Nice touch of orange!

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brudie

9 December 2011, 10:46AM
brudie

Can we have some non-alcoholic recipes for mince pies please. I am T-Toatal, so is my wife.

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Lindaanne

9 December 2011, 9:46PM
Lindaanne

I suggest make homemade mincemeat, if your T-toatal, I made my own for the first time today and I am really pleased with the outcome. I added brandy, but you don't have to add alcohol, in fact it tasted really good before I added the brandy.

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laura

11 December 2011, 3:45PM
laura

bit of help i once made pies with a date and ginger filling with no mincemeat in does anyone have the recpie for these? oh they also had rum butter in

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**

15 December 2011, 7:32PM
**

Hi brudie . I am tea total too . So's my husband . Try mixing a few cardomom seeds with the mincemeat . You could also put a little nutmeg or cinnamon in your pastry mix . Enjoy with a good cup of coffee (or tea of course).Merry Christmas ~X~

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jobeck

18 December 2011, 11:48AM
jobeck

I have a question: Can you prepare and freeze carrots/parsnips unblanched for a few days before Christmas or would it be better to prepare, bag and put in fridge the day before?

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18 December 2011, 8:16PM
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Hello jobeck. Prepare , cook as you would normally . Glaze if you want to . Freeze . Reheat when you're ready .Merry Christmas ~x~

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