Luxury Mince Pies

Method

• step 1

  Buttery Shortbread Pastry Dough;

• step 2

  In a food processor, combine the flour, butter, egg, sugar, cream, lemon juice, and salt and pulse until the dough starts gathering together in big clumps.

• step 3

  Turn the dough out onto a counter and gather it together. Shape the dough into 12 walnut size balls press/spread them into the greased fairy tin sections.

• step 4

  With the remaining dough, role out and cut out large christmas tree and/or star shapes for the lids.

• step 5

  Pie Filling;

• step 6

  Mix the mincemeat with the brandy. Spoon the mincemeat into the pastry cases (around 1tsp per tart)

• step 7

  Top the pies with their lids. Brush to star tops with beaten egg.

• step 8

  Bake for 20mins in pre-heated oven 160C

• step 9

  Cool on wire rack and dust lighty with icing sugar.

• step 10

  Best served warm with thick cream

• step 11

  Storage;

• step 12

  You can freeze the baked minced pies (before dusting) for upto 6wks in a rigid container so they dont get crushed. Double layers should be seperated with baking paper so as not to stick.

• step 13

  Alternatively;

• step 14

  You can freeze the unbaked dough. Thaw in fridge before baking.