My Neighbour Jean's Mum has Festive Treats

Aunty Mary writes:
“My neighbour Jean has her mums recipe book (she’s 95) which she has been hand writing since she was 12 when she first started working as a cook. This is her recipe for mince pies which were so delicious when I tasted them that I could of cried with happiness………





The Pastry (Makes 12 mince pies with lids)

8oz Margarine
12 oz Flour
2 Tablespoons of Cold water

Place the margarine, water and 1 tablespoon of the flour into a mixing bowl and beat with a fork until creamy, gradually adding the rest of the flour spoon by spoon until all the flour is mixed into a dough. Wrap and leave in the fridge for 1 hour. NB this pastry is very short, take care when rolling it out.

The Mince Meat

8 oz of each sultanas, currants and seedless grains
4oz Mixed Peel
10oz baking apples, peeled & grated
¾ teaspoons of mixed spice
Juice of one orange and one lemon
4oz sherry
5oz Vegetable Suet
4oz Soft Brown Sugar

Wash the fruit, mix and chop everything together. Place in clean airtight jars to keep happily for 2-3 weeks

The Mince Pies

The above and a beaten egg to coat

Gently rollout the pastry cutting 12 large and 12 small (lids) circles, place the larger into a floured bun tray, add the mince meat to reach two thirds up, wet the sides with beaten egg and place the lids on gently pinching the sides together with the back of a fork, finely coat the lid with more beaten egg. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes at 220c until golden brown, serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream (brandy optional) or cold for a festive treat."

QuirkyKitchen tip: Mini Mince pies can be easily made in a smaller bun tray; they’re great for kids and your conscience.