Mince pies

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 190 /170 fan/GM5 Prepare the cake tin by greasing each of the 12 holes with butter and then sieving flour all over them.
• In a large mixing bowl, rub the flour and butter together. You may prefer to do this with a knife or fork, as there is an extensive amount of butter. It won't make fine breadcrumbs, but will incorporate nicely.
• Add the sugar and combine with your hands.
• Roll the pastry, to your required thickness, on a floured surface. Make sure that your rolling pin is also floured.
• Cut the circles of pastry out using a suitable cutter and cut either stars or smaller circles for the tops.
• Place the large circles in the tray you prepared earlier, having knocked out all the excess flour.
• Add a large teaspoon full of mincemeat to each pie. Add the lids. If you are using circles, then you will need to brush a little milk or egg around the edge of the pie. Brush the tops with a little egg as a glaze and cook for 12-15 minutes.