During the festive season in the United Kingdom, Christmas pie with cranberry sauce is a beloved traditional dish that brings warmth and comfort to homes. This delightful dessert combines the rich flavors of a buttery pastry crust filled with a luscious fruit and nut filling, topped with a tangy cranberry sauce that adds a burst of festive flavor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to treat your loved ones to a special sweet treat, this Christmas pie recipe is sure to be a hit.
**Christmas Pie With Cranberry Sauce**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cubed
– 1/2 cup cold water
– 1 cup dried mixed fruits (such as raisins, currants, and cherries)
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1 cup fresh cranberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Pastry:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and cubed butter.
– Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
– Gradually add the cold water and mix until the dough comes together.
– Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. **Make the Filling:**
– In a separate bowl, combine the dried fruits, chopped nuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange zest, and orange juice.
– Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. **Prepare the Cranberry Sauce:**
– In a saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, and water.
– Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
– Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. **Assemble the Pie:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
– Roll out the chilled pastry on a floured surface to fit a pie dish.
– Line the pie dish with the pastry, trimming any excess around the edges.
– Fill the pastry with the fruit and nut mixture, spreading it evenly.
5. **Bake and Serve:**
– Bake the Christmas pie in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
– Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
– Serve the Christmas pie warm or at room temperature with a generous drizzle of the cranberry sauce on top.
Warm, comforting, and bursting with festive flavors, this Christmas Pie with Cranberry Sauce is the perfect addition to your holiday menu. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea on a chilly winter evening or served as the grand finale of a holiday feast, this delicious treat is sure to bring joy to all who indulge in its sweet, tangy goodness. Enjoy the magic of the holiday season with this delightful dessert that celebrates the spirit of Christmas in every bite.
