Cherry And Almond Mince Pies

Throughout the United Kingdom, Christmas traditions are deeply rooted in baking delicious treats to share with friends and family. One beloved holiday recipe is the Cherry and Almond Mince Pies. These delightful mini pies are filled with a rich and fruity mincemeat, highlighted by the sweet tartness of cherries and the nutty crunch of almonds. Perfect for holiday parties or simply enjoying by the fireside, these festive treats are sure to become a favorite in your home this Christmas season.

Ingredients:
– 1 package of pre-made shortcrust pastry
– 1 cup of mincemeat filling
– 1/4 cup of dried cherries, chopped
– 1/4 cup of flaked almonds
– 1 egg, beaten
– Icing sugar, for dusting

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
2. Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick.
3. Use a round cookie cutter or drinking glass to cut out circles of pastry slightly larger than the muffin tin openings.
4. Gently press the pastry rounds into the mini muffin tin, ensuring they line each cavity snugly.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the mincemeat filling, chopped dried cherries, and flaked almonds. Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
6. Spoon the mincemeat mixture into each pastry-lined muffin cavity, filling them almost to the top.
7. Use any leftover pastry to create decorative tops for the pies – you can use smaller cutters to create shapes or simple lids to cover the pies.
8. Brush the tops of the pies with beaten egg for a golden finish in the oven.
9. Bake the mince pies in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crisp.
10. Once baked, 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.
11. Before serving, dust the tops of the Cherry and Almond Mince Pies with icing sugar for a snowy touch.

Make a batch of these Cherry and Almond Mince Pies to share the warmth and joy of the holiday season with your loved ones. The combination of rich mincemeat, tangy cherries, and crunchy almonds wrapped in buttery pastry is a delightful treat that will surely spread Christmas cheer. Enjoy these tasty mini pies alongside a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine for the perfect festive indulgence. Happy baking and happy holidays!