Mince Pies with Homemade Mincemeat
Proper Christmas mince pies with mincemeat made from scratch. Dried fruit, Bramley apple, citrus, spice and suet, slow-baked so the fat coats everything, then finished with brandy.
4 hrs 20 mins
Getting Somewhere
Serves 24
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Nutrition per serving
230
Calories
2g
Protein
34g
Carbs
10g
Fat
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) Bramley apples, cored and chopped small (no need to peel)
- 8oz (225g) shredded suet (beef or vegetarian)
- 12oz (350g) raisins
- 8oz (225g) sultanas
- 8oz (225g) currants
- 8oz (225g) whole mixed candied peel, finely chopped
- 12oz (350g) soft dark brown sugar
- Grated zest and juice of 2 oranges
- Grated zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 2oz (50g) whole almonds, cut into slivers
- 4 teaspoons ground mixed spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 6 tablespoons brandy
- Shortcrust pastry, homemade or shop-bought (about 1 lb / 450g makes 18–24 pies)
- A little milk or beaten egg to glaze
- Icing sugar to dust
How to make it
1. Mix and rest the mincemeat In a big bowl, mix everything except the brandy really thoroughly. Cover with a clean cloth and leave somewhere cool overnight so the flavours develop.
2. Slow-bake it Heat the oven to 120°C (250°F, gas ½). Cover the bowl loosely with foil and bake for 3 hours. When it comes out it will look like it's swimming in fat. That's right.
3. Cool and add the brandy Stir it every so often as it cools. The suet sets around the fruit and seals it. When it's completely cold, stir in the brandy.
4. Jar it Pack into clean, sterilised jars and seal. It keeps in a cool dark cupboard for a long time.
5. Make the pies Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Roll the pastry thinly and cut rounds to line a greased bun or muffin tin. Fill each with a heaped teaspoon of mincemeat. Don't overfill or it bubbles over. Top with smaller rounds or stars of pastry, press the edges and brush with milk or egg.
6. Bake Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes before lifting out. Dust with icing sugar.
Good to know
- Bramleys collapse into the mincemeat. A tart Granny Smith is the closest swap
- Use vegetarian suet and the mincemeat is vegetarian
- Warm mince pies with brandy butter or cream are the whole point of December
Cooking ability level
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