**Indulge in the Festive Charm of Mini Mincemeat Pies: A Culinary Delight for Every Occasion**
As the holiday season approaches, the aroma of freshly baked treats fills the air, evoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Among the most cherished festive delicacies are mini mincemeat pies, a quintessential symbol of culinary artistry and tradition. These bite-sized wonders, often associated with Christmas celebrations, are a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors that tantalize the taste buds. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the world of mini mincemeat pies, uncovering the secrets behind their delectable fillings and the techniques for crafting these perfect pastries. Discover the art of creating homemade mincemeat, a flavorful mixture of dried fruits, spices, and spirits that forms the heart of these pies. Learn the secrets of creating flaky, golden-brown pastry that encases the rich mincemeat filling, resulting in a symphony of textures and flavors. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this comprehensive guide will empower you to create these festive treats that will impress your friends and family, making every gathering a memorable occasion.
MINCEMEAT
Mincemeat is a traditional English treat that is usually used as filling for mince pies during Christmas, but it tastes great mixed with vanilla ice cream, as well. This recipe uses butter instead of the traditional suet, which makes this mincemeat suitable for vegetarians. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.
Provided by Ita
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European UK and Ireland English
Time 50m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Combine cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice in a bowl. Reserve 1 heaped teaspoon for the mincemeat. Store the rest in a small jar for a later use.
- Inspect two 12-ounce jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until mincemeat is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
- Combine apple, sultanas, sugar, currants, raisins, and butter in a saucepan. Cook over low heat and stir gently until butter has melted. Stir in chopped almonds, orange zest, 1 teaspoon of mixed spice, and cinnamon. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set mincemeat aside to cool down for 30 minutes. Stir in brandy. Spoon into sterilized jars.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 156.3 calories, Carbohydrate 21.9 g, Cholesterol 10.2 mg, Fat 5 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 0.9 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 32.6 mg, Sugar 19.5 g
CLASSIC MINCEMEAT PIE
Talk about quick and easy! In under an hour you can prep, bake and serve this classic mincemeat pie.
Provided by Crosse & Blackwell
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Crosse & Blackwell®
Time 40m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Unroll pie crusts. Line ungreased 9-inch pie plate with one crust. Fill with mincemeat. Cover with second crust and seal edges. Cut slits in top crust to vent steam. Bake 25 to 30 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 491.6 calories, Carbohydrate 80.6 g, Cholesterol 0.4 mg, Fat 16.3 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 551.3 mg, Sugar 0.3 g
MINI ORANGE MINCE PIES
My brother taught me this recipe, and I love it so I decided to share this wonderful recipe with you.
Provided by conn1e l
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European UK and Ireland English
Time 40m
Yield 18
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Sift together the flour, 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, and cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to mix in the butter until mixture resembles fine bread crumbs. Stir in the orange zest. Sprinkle with ice water, and gather dough into a ball. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out approximately 18 (3 inch) diameter circles, and 18 (2 inch) circles, rerolling dough as needed.
- Line muffin cups or tart tins using the 3 inch pastry circles. Fill each pastry cup with about 1 tablespoon of mincemeat filling. Top with 2 inch pastry circles, pinching circles together to seal the edges. Brush the top of each pie with egg.
- Bake pies in preheated oven until tops are golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool slightly on wire racks. Dust with 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar just before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 145.4 calories, Carbohydrate 18.4 g, Cholesterol 28.4 mg, Fat 7.5 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Sodium 78.5 mg, Sugar 8 g
Tips:
- Ensure the mincemeat is thick enough to hold its shape. If it's too runny, it will leak out of the pies during baking.
- Feel free to experiment with different mincemeat recipes. There are many variations available, so find one that you enjoy.
- Cut the pastry shapes accurately to ensure a neat finish. If you don't have a pastry cutter, you can use a sharp knife or even a glass.
- Brush the pastry with milk before baking to achieve a golden brown color.
- Don't overfill the pies, or they will burst during baking.
- Let the pies cool slightly before serving. This will help them to set and prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
Conclusion:
Mini mincemeat pies are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for Christmas or any other special occasion. With a crispy pastry shell and a sweet and flavorful mincemeat filling, these pies are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
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