Christmas Pie

1. Certainly! Here’s a recipe for a classic mince pie, a traditional Christmas treat:

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 1 1/2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
• 1 apple, peeled and grated
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 2 tbsp brandy or rum (optional)

For the pastry:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Icing sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a bowl, mix together the dried fruit, grated apple, brown sugar, citrus zest, citrus juice, spices, and brandy or rum (if using). Cover the bowl and let it sit overnight or for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Make the Pastry:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and granulated sugar.
   • Add the chilled, cubed butter. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub or cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs.
   • Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Assemble the Pies:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Roll out the pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
   • Using a round cutter, cut out circles for the pie bases and gently press them into a greased muffin tin or mini pie molds.
   • Fill each pastry-lined cup with a spoonful of the prepared mincemeat filling.
4. Top the Pies:
   • Roll out more pastry and cut out slightly smaller circles or stars for the pie lids.
   • Place the pastry lids on top of the filled pies, pressing the edges to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for decoration.
   • Make a small slit in the center of each pie to allow steam to escape.
   • Brush the tops of the pies with beaten egg for a golden finish.
5. Bake:
   • Place the pies in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the pastry turns golden brown.
6. Serve:
   • Once baked, remove the pies from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • Dust the cooled pies with icing sugar before serving.

Enjoy these delicious mince pies as a festive Christmas treat!