The festive season is synonymous with delicious treats and there’s one classic that stands out as an all-time favourite: mince pies. While store-bought ones are readily available, there’s something truly special about baking your own mince pies. The aroma that fills your kitchen, the warmth of the oven (we insist on the highest quality Bosch ovens in our new homes at Alconbury Weald and Fairfield Meadows!!) and the joy of sharing these delectable bites with loved ones – that’s what makes Christmas memorable.
At Campbell Buchanan George, we understand the importance of celebrating traditions and creating new ones. That’s why we’re excited to share with you the ultimate mince pie recipe that’s bound to become a cherished part of your Christmas tradition. This recipe combines the finest ingredients and a touch of love to create the perfect mince pie.
Ingredients
225g cold butter, cut into small cubes
350g all-purpose flour
A pinch of salt
A splash of ice-cold water
400g high-quality mincemeat
Zest of one lemon
Zest of one orange
1 egg, beaten
Icing sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Start with the pastry. In a large bowl, rub the cold, cubed butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add a pinch of salt, and then gradually add the ice-cold water. Combine everything until it forms a smooth dough. Shape it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C for fan ovens).
Roll out the pastry on a floured surface to about 3mm thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out circles for your mince pies. Place half of the circles into a greased muffin tin.
Mix the high-quality mincemeat with the zest of one lemon and one orange. Fill each pastry case with a generous spoonful of this fragrant mixture.
Brush the edges of the pastry with a little beaten egg.
Place the remaining pastry circles on top of the mincemeat-filled cases, pressing the edges to seal them.
Brush the tops with more beaten egg and make a small slit on the top of each mince pie to allow steam to escape.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mince pies are beautifully golden.
Allow them to cool slightly before removing from the tin. Dust with icing sugar for that festive touch.
Serve your homemade mince pies with a dollop of fresh cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy your masterpiece!
These mince pies are the perfect combination of a buttery, crumbly pastry and a rich, spiced mincemeat filling. With every bite, you’ll experience the taste of Christmas itself.
This festive season, take the time to create cherished memories with family and friends. From our homes to yours, we wish you a warm and wonderful Christmas filled with joy, love, and, of course, delicious mince pies.
Happy baking from all at Campbell Buchanan George!