If you've every visited England around Christmas, you'll know that mince pies are a well-loved Chrtimas specialty, with millions consumed each year. They're very loved in our family too, but unfortunately for us, they're not so loved here in the US. A handful of stores sell them pre-made, but they're expensive and you don't have much selection. Since moving over here, we started making our own, not only is it a fun activity to do with the girls, but the end result is delciously festive. I guess I should probably add it to our list of Christmas traditions.
If you're looking to make your own mince pies, you can find the recipe I follow for the pastry, and for the filling below.
Mince pie filling:
- 1 jar of mincemeat* - I have used this one from World Market before. Last year I tried one from Walmart and it definitely wasn't the same! So if you're looking for an authentic English taste, this one is the way to go.
You could also make your own, this is the rough recipe I use, and it makes a few jars worth. You’re supposed to make it well in advance, but I’m never that prepared, and end up making it just a few days before haha and it’s always good.
- 175g currants
- 350g raisins
- 175g dried cranberries
- 1 small apple peeled, cored and finely chopped
- Zest of one orange
- 125g of butter
- 225g light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp all spice
- 200ml brandy or apple cider (if you'd like it alcohol free)
Instructions:
- Put all ingredients except rum into a pan.
- Warm mixture until the butter melts, then gently simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove mixture from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Mix in the rum and pour into sterilized jars, store in a cool place.
If you would still like to use brandy for flavor but would prefer a lower alcohol content, you can add the brandy in to the mixture after the butter has melted, and cook off the alcohol.
Pastry:
- 375g plain flour
- 260g unsalted butter, softened
- 125g sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 large egg
Instructions:
- Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add the sugar and beaten egg and mix until the mixture begins to come together (be careful not to overmix).
- Fold the dough together to form a ball. Then wrap in plastic wrap/beeswax wrap, and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Roll out the dough until it's about 3mm thick, then cut out circles to fit your tray. You want to fill the cupcake tray so that the dough comes up to the top edge of the hole.
- Divide the mince pie filling mixture equally between the pies.
- Cut out smaller circles than your original ones to make pie lids. Press the lids onto your pies, and cut a little slit in each one.
- Bake at 390°f for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the tops with sugar while hot.
Mince pies are delicious warm or cold, we especially love them warm with some ice cream or brandy butter (yeah we Brits like a good tipple haha). I hope you enjoy this recipe, and a little slice of English culture. If you'd still like to try mince pies, but don't fancy making them yourself, you can buy them here.
Lizzie