Mince Pies with zesty orange pastry

   Hello everybody!
   What would December be without a baking blog? Mince pies are my favourite treat of the festive season and a real Christmas tradition in my household. I love the twist on this recipe (the zesty orange pastry) so why not show my loyal fans how to make some of the best mince pies EVER!!!  

     

 Makes: 30
 Prep time: 20 minutes plus chilling
 Cook time: 20 minutes

  Ingredients:
500g plain flour
175g icing sugar, plus extra for dusting
375g cold butter, diced
Zest and juice 1 large orange
500g mincemeat
1 egg, beaten    

  Method:
1. Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5.
2. In a food processor, whizz together the flour, icing sugar and butter until they form fine crumbs (or rub in with your fingers). With the blades running, add the zest, then 3 tbsp orange juice. Process for a few secs until the mixture forms clumps. If you need to, add a few extra tsps orange juice to bring the pastry together.
3. Tip onto a very lightly floured surface, knead briefly until smooth, then chill in the fridge for 30 minutes or until firm. The pastry can be made up to 3 days ahead or frozen for up to 1 month.
4. Lightly dust the work surface with flour, then roll out the pastry to approx £1 coin thickness. Cut out 12 x 8cm rounds with a fluted cutter and press into a 12-hole-non-stick bun tin. Re-roll the trimmings to the same thickness and stamp out 12 x 5cm rounds for the  tops. Spoon about 1 tbsp mincemeat into each base and press on the tops.
5. Brush the tops with the beaten egg, then bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool for a few minutes, then lever out carefully with a table knife and cool on a wire rack.
6. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Warm gently to serve, dusted with sifted icing sugar, if you like.

 

   That's all for this week! I hoped you enjoyed this oh so festive baking blog! I can't believe it's only a week until Christmas!! Next week my blog post will go up on Monday 26th December, instead of the usual Sunday post due to the festivities. So, since my next post will be after Christmas Day - love you all and Merry Christmas!!!!
 Byyeee!!!!