Fruity Mince Pies

December 5, 2017
 

Xmas mince pie recipe

Xmas mince pies

We never knew mince pies would be so easy to make – and in a healthy style – but we’re pretty proud of these! They won’t leave you feeling like you’ve over-indulged and they make the perfect treat if you’re hosting, or an impressive gift if you’re visiting.

Our filling uses apples and raisins, a nice balance of flavour and texture, which isn’t ultra sweet. Seasonal British apples, like Cox’s, are great, and work better than cooking apples as they retain their shape and bite. A little coconut oil holds the filling together and keeps it nice and juicy. And the warm spices make this taste traditionally festive! For the pastry, we’ve used a combination of almonds and oats, for a soft, light and non-stodgy case.

These will keep for up to a week, sealed, in a cool place.

Happy Christmas baking, everyone!

Makes 10

For the filling:

  • 2 large apples, cut into small pieces
  • 125g (1 1/4 cup) raisins
  • 35g (1/4 cup) chopped almonds (optional)
  • Juice and zest of 1 orange
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp mixed spice
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil

For the pastry: 

  • 100g (1 cup) ground almonds + extra for lining tray
  • 175g (1 1/2 cup) oats
  • 5 Medjool dates
  • 2 1/2 tbsp coconut oil at room temperature
  • Large pinch salt
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp natural vanilla (optional)
Method:
  1. Put all of the filling ingredients into a pan, cover and simmer for about 15 mins until the apples are soft and the sauce has thickened. Put to one side to cool.
  2. Heat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4. Grease a shallow muffin tray and sprinkle with a little ground almond.
  3. For the pastry, blitz everything together in a food processor until the mixture comes together (you want to be able to pinch the mixture together between your fingers). If it’s too dry, add a little more water, 1 tsp at a time.
  4. Tip the mixture onto a surface and bring it together to form a dough. Roll out until it’s about 3mm thick. Cut out out 10 circles (using a cookie cutter or glass) and 10 stars for the top. You’ll have to bring the dough together and roll it out again a couple of times.
  5. Carefully line the holes of the muffin tray with the pastry circles, fill with the cooled mincemeat (around 1 1/2 tsp per pie), and top with the pastry stars. Bake for 15-20 mins until golden brown.
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