During the festive season in the United Kingdom, Christmas baking takes center stage, filling homes with cozy scents and irresistible treats. One traditional holiday delight that never fails to impress is the beloved Apricot Mince Pies. These delightful little pastries are the perfect combination of sweet apricots, warm spices, and buttery pastry, making them a must-have for any Christmas gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you step by step to create your own batch of these delicious treats to share with loved ones.
Title: Apricot Mince Pies
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried apricots, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup raisins
– 1/2 cup currants
– 1/2 cup mixed peel
– Zest and juice of 1 orange
– Zest and juice of 1 lemon
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1/4 tsp allspice
– 2 tbsp brandy
– Shortcrust pastry (store-bought or homemade)
– Icing sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the dried apricots, raisins, currants, mixed peel, orange zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Mix well to combine.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes or until the fruits have softened and the mixture has thickened.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the brandy. Allow the mixture to cool completely.
4. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 12-cup mini muffin tin.
5. Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles slightly larger than the size of the muffin tin cups.
6. Gently press the pastry circles into the muffin tin cups, ensuring they come up the sides.
7. Spoon the cooled mincemeat mixture into each pastry-lined cup, filling them almost to the top.
8. Using a smaller round cutter, cut out slightly smaller circles of pastry to create the pie lids. Place these over the mincemeat filling in each cup, pressing the edges to seal.
9. Using a sharp knife, make a small slit in the center of each pie lid to allow steam to escape during baking.
10. Bake the pies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
11. Remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Once cooled, dust the tops of the pies with icing sugar for a festive finish.
13. Serve the Apricot Mince Pies warm or at room temperature, and enjoy with a cup of tea or a glass of mulled wine!
The Apricot Mince Pies will surely become a favorite addition to your Christmas baking repertoire. Their delightful blend of flavors and the charm of their golden pastry make them a delightful treat for sharing with family and friends. So, get into the holiday spirit, gather your ingredients, and let the baking adventure begin!
