Mince Pie Recipe

One of the greatest seasonal treats we all love are mince pies.  Originating in the 13th century, the pies were a combination of meat, fruits and spices.  Most recipes since have become sweeter and no longer contain the meat portion but it is still tradition for them to be eaten in throughout December.  Mince pies are easy homemade goodies so here is a simple recipe to help feed your friends and family.  Why? Because Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without them!

Ingredients:

• 225g cold butter; diced
• 350g plain flour
• 100g golden caster sugar
• 280g mincemeat
• 1 small egg

Method:
Rub butter into flour
Mix in caster sugar and a pinch of salt
Combine pastry into a ball and knead briefly
Preheat the oven to 200 C/gas 6/fan 180C
Line 18 holes of two 12 hole patty tins by pressing small walnut sized balls into each hole
Spoon mincemeat into pies
Take smaller balls of pastry and pat out in hands making round lids big enough to cover the pies
Top the pies with the lids pressing the edges gently together to seal
Beat the egg and brush the tops of the pies
Bake 20 minutes
Let cool for 5 minutes in tin then move to wire rack