Mince Pies

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snoooow.
With it being the first of December and with snow bringing most of the country to a halt, I thought it would nice to make the first batch of mince pies considering I had the day off.






Ingredients (makes 12)
8oz of Plain Flour
4oz of Butter
1oz of Caster sugar
2 Egg yolks
Couple of tbsp of water

1 tsp of Brandy
Jar of Mincemeat (or make your own)

Method
Add the flour and sugar to a bowl and rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Make a well in the centre of the bowl and add the yolks and water.
Mix with a knife until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms, add more water if required.
Wrap in clingfilm and rest in the fridge for about half n hour (this can be left overnight if needed)

Mix the brandy in with the mincement. (this part is optional but it gives a nice kick)
Roll out the pastry very thinly and use a large and a medium pastry cutter to create 12 bases (large) and 12 lids (medium).
Lay the bases in mini pie tray and add a small amount of mincemeat to each, do not add to much or it will seep out, a teaspoon should be sufficent.

Brush the edges with milk and place the lids on top.

Brush the pies with milk and make little holes in the top to release the steam.










Bake in a preheated oven (190 C) for about 15 minutes until golden brown
Cool on a wire rack.

Sprinkle with a little icing sugar and sit back and enjoy with your choice of beverage.