Recipe For Mince Pies Mary Berry

Hey there, bakers! Let's talk mince pies, because who doesn't love a bit of festive magic in their mouth, right? Today, we're going to dive into Mary Berry's recipe, because if there's anyone who knows her way around a pie, it's her. So, grab your apron, let's get started!

First things first: the ingredients

Now, I know what you're thinking, "But I've already got a million tins of mincemeat lurking in my cupboard!" Well, hold your horses, because we're making our own. Trust me, it's worth it. Here's what you'll need:

• 500g minced beef
• 500g minced pork
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 cooking apples, grated
• 150g suet
• 150g raisins
• 100g currants
• 100g mixed candied peel, finely chopped
• 100g light muscovado sugar
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp brandy (optional, but hey, it's Christmas!)

Now, let's get cooking!

Preheat your oven to 150°C/130°C fan/gas 2. In a large pan, cook the beef and pork over a medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess fat, then add the onions, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the onions are soft and golden.

Stir in the grated apple, suet, raisins, currants, candied peel, sugar, mixed spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a good grind of black pepper. Give it a good mix, then let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Take the pan off the heat and stir in the brandy, if using. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Let the mixture cool, then pop it in the fridge to chill overnight. This helps the flavors to develop and makes the mincemeat easier to handle.

Time to make the pastry

Now, for the pastry. You'll need 350g plain flour, 175g cold butter, cut into small pieces, 100g caster sugar, and 1 large egg, beaten. Plus a little extra flour for dusting.

Mary Berry's mince pies recipe - BBC Food

Rub the butter into the flour until it looks like fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar, then add the egg and mix until the dough comes together. Wrap in clingfilm and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Assembling the pies

Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Grease a 12-hole patty tin and a 24-hole mini muffin tin. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thick. Cut out 24 large circles and 24 smaller circles for the lids.

Press the large circles into the patty tin and the mini muffin tin. Spoon the chilled mincemeat into each pie case, filling them about two-thirds full. Brush the edges with a little beaten egg.

Mary Berry's mincemeat and marzipan tart recipe - BBC Food

Place a small circle of pastry on top of each pie, pressing the edges to seal. Make a small hole in the top of each pie with a sharp knife to let the steam out. Brush the tops with a little more beaten egg and sprinkle with a pinch of caster sugar.

Bake until golden

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Leave the pies to cool in the tin for a few minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

And there you have it! Mary Berry's mince pies, ready to fill your home with festive cheer. Don't forget to enjoy one (or two) with a cup of tea. You deserve it!

Happy baking, and remember, a kitchen filled with laughter is a kitchen filled with love. So, turn up the Christmas tunes and get baking!