How to Make Mince Pies

Mice pies are traditional English cakes that are eaten at Christmastime. A mince pie is a sweet fruit pie made in individual sizes. The history of the mince pie goes back hundreds of years. It is still common today for children to leave a mince pie under the Christmas tree for Santa.

Things You'll Need

• 8 ounces self raising flour
• 5 ounces lard or shortening
• 1 pound jar mincemeat
• 2 ounces caster sugar
• Cold water
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters 1 large, 1 small
• 2 pattie trays

Instructions

1. Make the pastry. Cut the lard or shortening into small pieces and mix into the flour using a knife. Adding a little water at a time mix into a stiff pastry. Roll out on a floured board until the pastry is 2 millimeters thick.

2. Cut out the pastry using the large cookie cutter until you have enough pieces to fill the patty trays.

3. Fill each mince pie case with 2 teaspoons full of mincemeat.

4. Brush the edges of each case with water.

5. Cut out the lids from the remaining pastry with the smaller cookie cutter.

6. Seal the lids onto the cases and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown at 400 degrees Farenheit.

7. Allow to cool then sprinkle caster sugar over the tops. They are ready to serve.

Tips & Warnings

• To prevent your pastry from becoming sticky while you are handling it, put your hands in cold water then pat dry to keep them at a cool temperature.

• When making your pastry do not rub the lard or shortening into the flour.