Mince Pies with Brandy Butter

Mixed dried fruit (any blend of raisins, currants, sultanas, peel, etc.) 240g

Dark brown or muscovado sugar 120g

1 medium apple (about 120g), peeled, cored and grated

All Things Butter Brandy Butter 100g

Zest of 3-4 oranges

Juice of 1⁄2 orange (about 30ml)

Ground ginger 1 tsp

Ground cinnamon 1⁄2 tsp

Ground cloves 1⁄8 tsp (a pinch)

Ground coriander 1⁄8 tsp (a pinch)

Optional: a small splash of water or extra orange juice if the mixture feels dry

Step 1

Combine the brandy butter, grated apple, dried fruit, sugar, orange zest and juice, and spices in a pan and stir together well. Taste the mixture and adjust the spices or sweetness to your liking.

Step 2

Warm gently to help the dried fruit absorb the liquid. Simmer until any excess moisture has reduced. You should have a glossy mixture that isn’t too dry.

Step 3

Once cooled, you can use it straight away. For a deeper flavour, cover and let it sit overnight in the fridge. Before using, revive it with an extra spoonful or two of warm butter if needed.

Step 4

To form the pies, you’ll need a muffin tin (6.5 cm wide × 3 cm deep). Use about 350-400g of sweet shortcrust or all-butter pastry and roll it to 3mm thick. 

Step 5

Cut 12 bases using the All Things Butter Brandy Butter lid as a round cutter (about 8 cm in diameter). 

Step 6 

Chill the lined tin for 15 minutes before filling to help prevent shrinkage. Add about one and a half to two tablespoons of mincemeat per pie.

Step 7

Cut 12 pasty lids using a pie crust lattice cutter. Cut four 12×5 cm strips, using the cutter to make three pie tops per strip. 

Step 8

Brush the edges with water and carefully top each pie with the lattice, taking care not to tear the pastry. Trim the edges neatly and sprinkle with sugar.

Step 9

Bake at 220°C (200°C fan) for 8-10 minutes, until just cooked and beginning to bubble. If you bake until golden, the pies will be less buttery and light.

Step 10

Allow to cool in the tin for a few minutes before lifting out (they’ll firm up as they cool). Dust with icing sugar and enjoy!