Mince pies

                         Mince pies

These small, sweet pies are filled with a mixture of dried fruits, spices, and suet, and are a traditional Christmas treat in the UK.

Here is a recipe for making traditional mince pies:

For the pastry:

1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
3. 1/4 cup sugar
4. 1 egg, beaten
5. 2-3 tablespoons cold water

For the filling:

• 1 cup mixed dried fruit
• 1/2 cup apple, peeled and grated
• 1/4 cup suet
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brandy (optional)
• 1 teaspoon mixed spice
• Zest of 1 orange

To make the pastry:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and butter. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Stir in the sugar.
3. Add the egg and enough cold water to bring the mixture together to form a dough.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

To make the filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried fruit, apple, suet, sugar, honey, brandy (if using), mixed spice, and orange zest.
2. Set the filling aside while you roll out the pastry.

To assemble the pies:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry to about 1/8 inch thickness.
3. Using a biscuit cutter or a glass, cut out circles of pastry and use them to line a muffin tin.
4. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of filling into each pastry-lined muffin cup.
5. Cut out small circles of pastry to use as tops for the pies. Place a pastry circle on top of each mince pie and press the edges lightly to seal.
6. Brush the tops of the pies with a beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar, if desired.
7. Bake the pies for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.

Enjoy your mince pies!