December 18th 2024.
Mince pies are a beloved Christmas tradition that can be found everywhere during the holiday season. However, they can be a bit divisive, with people either loving them or hating them, much like the spread Marmite. But fear not, if you fall in the latter category, there are some great alternatives available at the supermarket. And for those who are fans of mince pies and want to make their own at home, we have some insider tips for you.
Pastry chef Matt Adlard has shared his secrets for making the perfect mince pie with Metro. This includes the type of pastry to use and whether or not you can freeze them. According to Matt, all you need are four simple ingredients to create this festive snack. So let's dive into his tips and tricks.
If you're not a fan of getting your hands dirty, there's an easier way to make mince pies. According to Matt, you can simply buy ready-made shortcrust pastry and a jar of mincemeat from the supermarket. This saves you the hassle of making your own pastry and allows you to quickly put them together. Plus, store-bought pastry is already rolled out, making it easier to handle and cut without the stress of melted pastry.
Using some of Matt's expert tips, we've put together a speedy recipe for making the ultimate cheat's mince pies. You'll need ready-made shortcrust pastry, mincemeat, orange zest or chopped stem ginger for added flavor, and an egg for an egg wash. Simply cut the pastry into circles and place them in a greased 12-hole baking tin. Fill each circle with mincemeat, adding in the extra ingredients for an extra kick. Then, brush the edges with egg wash and add a smaller circle of pastry on top as a lid. Press gently to seal the edges, and sprinkle some demerara sugar for a sweet crunch. Bake for 15-20 minutes and enjoy your homemade mince pies.
But wait, there's more! Matt has four additional tips for perfecting your mince pies. First, he recommends using sweet pastry as it melts in your mouth when you take a bite. Next, make sure to use cold butter for the pastry, as it will prevent it from melting in your hands. Dust your work surface and cookie cutter with flour to prevent sticking. And lastly, adding orange zest or chopped stem ginger to your mincemeat can enhance the flavor.
If you want to impress your guests, you can also make mini tarts instead of traditional pies. Matt has a recipe for sweet pastry cases that will add a "wow" factor to your mince pies. And if all else fails, you can always use ready-made pastry from the shops.
Now, let's address the age-old question: can you freeze mince pies? According to Matt, there are two ways to do this. You can freeze them before or after they have been baked. Simply make sure they are cooled before placing them in an airtight container. When you're ready to bake, brush them with egg wash and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
But what about baking time for cooked mince pies? If you've frozen them, defrost them overnight in the fridge and then bake at 180C for 5-10 minutes until they are piping hot. Frozen mince pies can last up to three months in an airtight container.
For a slightly different take on mince pies, we turn to culinary queen Mary Berry. She shared her "Absolute Favourite" mince pie recipe on her BBC show, Mary Berry's Absolute Christmas Favourites. To make these delicious treats, you'll need plain flour, cold butter, icing sugar, orange zest, eggs, mincemeat, dried apricots, and uncoloured marzipan. Follow the simple steps to create the perfect mince pies that will impress your loved ones.
As Mary Berry says, "Get baking and enjoy!" And if you have any tips for making the perfect mince pie, we'd love to hear them in the comments below. Happy baking!
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