When you think of traditional Christmas food, it's highly likely that the humble Mince Pie will be at the top of your mind. But do you know how to make mince pies? And, more important, do you know how to make Herdy Mince Pies?
We've put together a simple mince pies recipe for you to try at home, including making the pastry for mince pies. But the real pièce de résistance of these Christmas mince pies is Herdy's adorable face imprinted on each one!
1. Make the shortcrust pastry by rubbing the softened butter into the flour and salt to form a fine breadcrumb texture. Add sufficient water to form a dough and knead gently until smooth. Wrap in cling film and allow to rest in fridge for half an hour.
2. Take the pastry dough out of the fridge and roll out onto a floured surface to approx 2mm thick.
3. Grease the tray with butter
4. Use the circular cutter to cut out the bases. Place each base in the tin and push down gently.
5. Fill each pastry case with mincemeat, leaving a clean pastry edge all round.
6. To make the lids place the biscuit stamp inside the fluted cutter and push the biscuit stamp into the pastry to form an indent, leaving the fluted cutter in place. Take out the biscuit stamp and push down on the fluted cutter to cut out the top of the mince pie.
7. Dampen the edges of the pastry bases with water and put on the pastry lid, taking care to press down to seal the edges.
8. Brush mince pies with beaten egg.
9. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 200°C, gas mark 6 for 20–25 minutes until golden.
10. Cool on a wire rack when cooked.
11. Make your favourite brew (in a Herdy mug of course), sit back and enjoy!
