This is a typical English recipe that spread quickly throughout the Commonwealth countries including Malta. Without a doubt there are a lot of variations of this recipe and it is normal for a lot of people to want you to try their own version. Mince pies can either be served at tea time or as dessert, however they make a lovely gift as well.
Makes 50
Preparation and Cooking time: Approx 100 minutes
For the Filling:
Lamb Brand Sultanas 200g
Lamb Brand Currants 200g
Lamb Brand Candied Peel 100g
Lamb Brand Mixed Spice 1 tsp
Lamb Brand Hazelnuts 100g
Lamb Brand Almonds 100g
Life Prunes 200g, thinly sliced
Life Apricot 200g, thinly sliced
Persian Palm Dates 200g, thinly sliced
Apple 2, peeled and sliced
Orange Rind 2 tsp
You will need:
Orange Juice 135ml
Brandy 135ml
Honey 135ml
For the Dough:
Lamb Brand Plain Flour 270g
Lamb Brand Castor Sugar 2 tbsp
Margerine 135g
Egg 1
Lemon Rind 1 tbsp
Vanilla Powder pinch
For the Filling: Mix all the ingredients well and store in a jar with a screw top. Place the jar upside down on the second day and right side up on the third. Alternate flipping the jar once per day, until the day you are going to use it. Even though this recipe can be done at one go, if the filling is prepared at least a week before the result is even better.
For the Dough: Sift the flour and place in a bowl and mix with the vanilla powder, sugar, margarine and the lemon rind until the dough forms. If need be add some water. Spread the dough with a rolling pin, on a lightly floured surface. Cut out circles using round cookie cutters and place in a mince pie pan. Fill in with the mince meat and cover the top with dough as you prefer, using cutters such as star shape or holly shape. You can either cover them completely or not at all.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 15 minutes or until they take a shade of gold. You can serve either warm or cold. Sprinkle some icing on top for decoration. If you did not cover the tops of the pies, you can serve them with a little bit of fresh Topping Mix.
* You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze, let it thaw well before using it.
* Mince can be prepared at