Mince Pies

Ingredients

• 1 medium Granny Smith apple (142 g), grated
• 213 g raisins
• 213 g currants
• 213 g sultanas
• 225 g candied mixed peel
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• 170 g muscovado sugar
• 150 ml Irish whiskey
• 115 g butter
• 370 g all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 200 g cold butter, cubed
• 2 large egg yolks
• 4 to 6 tbsp cold water
• 1 large egg mixed with 1 tbsp water, for egg wash
• Powdered sugar, optional for dusting

Instructions

Follow each step in order. The directions below are written so a beginner can understand what to do, what to look for, and when to move on to the next step.

1. Step 1.Combine the grated apple, raisins, currants, sultanas, candied peel, mixed spice, cinnamon, citrus zest, citrus juice, muscovado sugar, whiskey, and 115 grams butter.
2. Step 2.Cook the fruit mixture gently until the butter melts and the ingredients combine, then cool, cover, and refrigerate for about 13 hours.
3. Step 3.Mix the flour, powdered sugar, and salt, cut in the 200 grams cold butter to coarse crumbs, then add the egg yolks.
4. Step 4.Add cold water one tablespoon at a time until the pastry holds together, divide into discs, wrap, and chill before rolling.
5. Step 5.Preheat the oven to 200°C, roll the pastry on a lightly floured surface, and cut 12 bases plus 12 slightly smaller lids.
6. Step 6.Line a 12-hole tin with the pastry bases, pressing without stretching, and fill each with the chilled fruit mixture without overpacking.
7. Step 7.Top with pastry lids, seal the edges, cut small steam vents, and brush evenly with the egg-and-water wash.
8. Step 8.Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until deeply golden, cool before removing from the tin, and dust with powdered sugar only if desired.