Craving a classic holiday treat that will fill your home with cozy, comforting aromas? Look no further than this delightful Homemade Mincemeat Pie recipe. This traditional dessert is a perfect marriage of sweet and savory flavors, encased in a buttery crust that will have your loved ones coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
– 1 cup finely chopped lean beef
– 1 cup peeled and chopped apples
– 1 cup raisins
– 1/2 cup currants
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– 1/4 cup mixed candied peel
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup brandy
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Zest and juice of 1 lemon
– Zest and juice of 1 orange
For the Crust:
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup ice water
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped lean beef, chopped apples, raisins, currants, chopped almonds, mixed candied peel, brown sugar, brandy, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon zest, orange zest, lemon juice, and orange juice. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed. Set the mincemeat filling aside to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. To prepare the crust, place the all-purpose flour, cold unsalted butter, and salt in a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the ice water, a little at a time, and pulse until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll out one portion on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Gently press the dough into the bottom and sides of the dish.
5. Fill the pie crust with the prepared mincemeat filling, spreading it out evenly.
6. Roll out the second portion of dough and place it over the top of the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
7. Cut a few slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. For a glossy finish, brush the top crust with beaten egg using a pastry brush.
8. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
9. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This Homemade Mincemeat Pie is delicious on its own or paired with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Get ready to impress your guests with the irresistible flavors of this Homemade Mincemeat Pie. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory ingredients, this pie is sure to become a festive favorite in your household. Enjoy the process of creating this timeless dessert that will bring warmth and joy to your gatherings.
