Miniature Christmas Mince Tarts
"Mince pies are the cornerstone of Irish holiday baking. They are what hot cross buns are to Easter. They are always the first smattering of Christmas spirit to hit the bakeries and markets across this fair country and the last to leave. When you see the mince pies, you know that elaborate Christmas cakes are not far behind."
Makes14 Tarts
Cooking Time20 min
Ingredients
- 225 grams Plain flour
- 175 grams butter, chilled and cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon icing surag, sieved
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 tablespoons beaten egg
- 1 pound mincemeat, recipe on blog
Instructions
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In a large bowl, cut butter into flour with a pastry cutter. Add the icing sugar and salt. Gradually add in the beaten egg to bind, then use your hands to bring the pastry together into a ball. It should not be wet or sticky. Wrap in cling film and refrigerate for 1 hour or if possible overnight.
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Roll out the pastry until about 1/8 inch thick. Stamp into rounds 3 inches in diameter and line shallow bun tins with the discs. Put a good teaspoonful of mincemeat into each tin, dampen the edges with water and put another round on top. Brush with egg wash and decorate with pastry leaves or stars.
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Bake the pies in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly, then dredge with icing or caster sugar. Serve with Irish whiskey cream or brandy butter.
