Ingredients
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For the Pastry:
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1 lb (approx. 4 cups) Flour
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8 oz 2 sticks unsalted buttergood quality,(like Kerrygold) (or 50% butter/50% lard)
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1/8 tsp salt Salt(if you use salted butter, omit the salt
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1 tbsp Sugar
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ice water
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For the Mincemeat Filling
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3/4 cup (100 g) currants
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3/4 cup (100 g) raisins
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1/4 cup (50 g) dried apricotschopped
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1/3 cup (50 g) dried sweetened cranberrieschopped
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1.2 granny smith applegrated
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1/2 cup (100 g) Sugar
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1 tsp piece lemon rindgrated
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2 oz (60 g) melted butter
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1/2 tsp mixed spice
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pinch cinnamon
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nutmegdash of
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3 1/2 tbsp (50 ml) brandy
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1 tbsp Grand Marnier
Directions
An Australian mince pie is typically made from sweet pastry encasing sultanas, apple, almonds, mixed spices, and a splash of brandy for good measure.
How to Make the Mincemeat Filling for Pies:
- Place the dried fruit, grated apple, sugar, lemon rind and butter into a bowl and mix well.
- Add the spices, brandy and Grand Marnier. Mix well, cover and place in a cool place for 24 hrs.
- Mix the mincemeat the next day; leave for another 24 hrs.
- Stir well and put into a clean pint jar, or airtight container, packing it down to avoid air gaps. I warmed the partially packed jar in a bowl of warm water to melt the butter a bit. Seal and place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 6 months.
How to Make the Pie Pastry :
- Place all ingredients into food processor and pulse a few times.
- Add a little ice water, a few more pulses and it is ready to roll (literally)!
- Your pastry should sort of come together, but still be somewhat crumbly when ready. Don’t add too much water, though, as it will make the crust tough. Shape into a ball, cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least half an hour.
- Use as desired, baking according to pie recipe directions.
How to Make Mince Pies:
- Preheat the oven to 375Ëš F (190Ëš C).
- Cut the butter into the flour with two knives or a pastry cutter, then add the sugar and enough ice water so the pastry comes together without falling apart.
- If you add too much water, the dough will be tough.
- If you are a more accomplished cook, you could add an egg yolk instead of water, which makes an even tastier pastry.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4″ and cut into rounds to place into cupcake tins or small tartlet tins.
- Next, fill the pastry cases with some mincemeat. Top with a star or cover entirely with another piece of pastry (make a hole in the top).
- Place the mince pies on a baking tray into a preheated oven. Bake for about 15 to 18 minutes until the pastry becomes golden brown. Finally, sprinkle with a little sugar, immediately after removing from the oven. Store in an airtight tin.
