Pork Pies With Cranberries

The holiday season in the United Kingdom is not complete without the warm aromas of freshly baked Christmas treats filling the kitchen. One beloved recipe that captures the essence of this festive time is the traditional Pork Pies with Cranberries. These delightful individual pies are a savory and sweet combination that adds a unique touch to your holiday spread. With a flaky pastry crust encasing a flavorful pork and cranberry filling, these pies are sure to become a new Christmas tradition in your home.

Title: Pork Pies With Cranberries

Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup cold water
– 1 lb ground pork
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

Instructions:
1. To make the pastry, place the flour, salt, and cold butter in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the cold water and continue to pulse until the dough comes together. Wrap the pastry in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground pork over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion, garlic, dried thyme, dried cranberries, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.

3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.

4. Roll out the chilled pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a round cutter slightly larger than the muffin tin cups, cut out 12 circles to fit into the muffin tin for the pie crusts. Gently press the pastry circles into the muffin cups, ensuring the dough comes up the sides and overlaps at the top.

5. Fill each pastry crust with the pork and cranberry mixture, pressing down lightly. Brush the edges of the pastry with the beaten egg to seal the pies.

6. Cut out 12 smaller circles from the remaining pastry to create lids for the pies. Place the pastry circles over the filling and crimp the edges together with a fork to seal.

7. Brush the tops of the pies with the remaining egg wash and make a small slit on the lid of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking.

8. Bake the pork pies in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.

9. Remove the pies from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

10. Serve the Pork Pies with Cranberries warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh thyme leaves for a festive touch.

These Pork Pies with Cranberries are a delightful addition to any Christmas gathering, offering a perfect balance of flavors and a comforting homemade touch. Enjoy the process of baking these festive pies and watch them disappear quickly as they become a favorite among family and friends. Give this traditional UK Christmas recipe a try this holiday season and create memorable moments around the table with loved ones.