Mince pie recipe from 17th Century uncovered BBC News from www.bbc.co.uk
Introduction
Mince pies are a quintessential part of Christmas in the UK. These sweet pies are filled with a mixture of dried fruits, spices, and sometimes nuts, and are traditionally served during the festive season. While there are many variations of mince pies, the BBC recipe is a classic that is easy to follow and produces delicious results.
Ingredients
For the pastry:
225g plain flour
100g cold butter, cubed
25g caster sugar
1 egg yolk
2-3 tbsp cold water
For the filling:
350g mincemeat
Optional ingredients:
Zest of 1 orange or lemon
50g chopped almonds or hazelnuts
1 tbsp brandy or rum
Instructions
Pastry:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and cold butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. 2. Add the caster sugar and egg yolk to the bowl and mix until the ingredients are fully combined. 3. Gradually add 2-3 tablespoons of cold water to the mixture, stirring until the dough comes together in a ball. 4. Wrap the pastry in cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Filling:
1. Preheat your oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. 2. Roll out the pastry on a floured surface until it's about 3mm thick. 3. Using a round pastry cutter, cut out circles from the pastry and place them into a greased muffin tin. 4. Add a spoonful of mincemeat to each pastry case. 5. If using optional ingredients, add the orange or lemon zest, chopped nuts, or brandy/rum to the mincemeat mixture and stir until fully combined. 6. Using a smaller pastry cutter, cut out circles from the leftover pastry and place them on top of the mincemeat filling. 7. Brush the tops of the pies with a beaten egg. 8. Bake the pies in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown. 9. Remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
While mince pies are a delicious festive treat, they are also quite high in calories, sugar, and fat. One mince pie (using the BBC recipe) contains approximately:
250 calories
12g fat
29g carbohydrates
17g sugar
2g protein
If you're watching your calorie intake or have dietary restrictions, it's best to enjoy mince pies in moderation or consider making healthier variations using alternative ingredients.
Conclusion
The BBC mince pie recipe is a festive classic that is easy to follow and produces delicious results. With its buttery pastry and sweet mincemeat filling, these pies are a perfect addition to any Christmas celebration. Whether you're making them for yourself or as a gift for friends and family, these pies are sure to be a hit. So why not give the recipe a try and start a new holiday tradition?