Just had my first mince pie

A-Vic

and it was lovely :001_tt2:

A-Vic

I may even have another

farmergiles

I shall be baking a dollop of mince pies and jam tarts this weekend. Can't beat the taste of a home made mince pie!!!

Those who can, bake, those who can't, go to asda

A-Vic

farmergiles wrote: »

I shall be baking a dollop of mince pies and jam tarts this weekend. Can't beat the taste of a home made mince pie!!!

here here

Esme

I'm making some too this weekend!!

First time doing it...Just bought my mince from tesco...

any tips on making the pastry? I can see it being a disaster!!

farmergiles

Cold hands! good butter and good quality flour. If you like it really short and crumbly, put a beaten egg yolk and some castor/icing sugar in as well.

Diannew

farmergiles wrote: »

Cold hands! good butter and good quality flour. If you like it really short and crumbly, put a beaten egg yolk and some castor/icing sugar in as well.

Eat your heart out Jamie Oliver.....................we have our own...naked chef here

CJC

Never used an egg in pasty but cold hands (cold everything in fact) is definitely the way to go. Bit of sugar in the mix and dust some icing sugar on the top before baking. And a dollop of good Cornish clotted cream when you're eating them is a must.

I've a mind to make a stollen this year. Been making bread a lot lately so it might not be a complete disaster.

A-Vic

CJC wrote: »

Never used an egg in pasty but cold hands (cold everything in fact) is definitely the way to go. Bit of sugar in the mix and dust some icing sugar on the top before baking. And a dollop of good Cornish clotted cream when you're eating them is a must.

I've a mind to make a stollen this year. Been making bread a lot lately so it might not be a complete disaster.

am off here this xmas stollen is my fav please dont forget marzipan roll in the middle

farmergiles

CJC wrote: »

Never used an egg in pasty

Use the egg with a bit of milk to mix, instead of water. Makes the pastry sweeter and shorter

Diannew

farmergiles wrote: »

CJC wrote: »

Never used an egg in pasty

Use the egg with a bit of milk to mix, instead of water. Makes the pastry sweeter and shorter

Or go to Sansbury's and buy them off the shelf:001_tt2:

A-Vic

Diannew wrote: »

farmergiles wrote: »

Or go to Sansbury's and buy them off the shelf:001_tt2:

lol lazy bones

CJC

It's more fun to make your own

Diannew

CJC wrote: »

It's more fun to make your own

Not as much fun as throwing a pot like in the film ghost................

farmergiles

There she goes with her pot throwing, I think she's obsessed with the film.....lol

farmergiles

Diannew wrote: »

Eat your heart out Jamie Oliver.....................we have our own...naked chef here

Not a pretty sight!!!!!

Diannew

farmergiles wrote: »

There she goes with her pot throwing, I think she's obsessed with the film.....lol

Come closer Mr Wolf..............said little red riding hood............or was it the other way around

farmergiles

On my way, little red riding hood

Diannew

farmergiles wrote: »

On my way, little red riding hood

Don't forget to get dressed.............it's cold out there Oliver...........:001_tt2:

Cullen

Er, to bring it back to the baking theme,

I always add ground almonds to the pastry, substitute some of the flour for the almonds and it gives a lovely subtle nutty flavour. Say in a ratio of 2:1, flour to almonds.

I usually add some grated bramley apple, nibbed almonds and a slosh of brandy to the mince. I throw in extra fruit if I have any open, but chop the cherries so they are very small.

I make the pastry first, chill it for a little while I prepare the filling.

(Good unsalted butter and cold hands....definitel agree with FG and CJC)

farmergiles

I agree the pastry needs to chill in the fridge for a good half hour.
I do tend to make it with the old kenwood these days, wrists not as good as they used to be!!!

JJ43

Give a fleeting thought to all those diabetic aat students/mip etc., Christmas can be a very traumatic time.... do I stuff myself silly with my once favourite mince pies, chocolate log, kiddies selection boxes and green triangles !!!! or do I sensibly look the other way ????

Christmas comes but once a year.... I stuff myself silly of course and then behave throughout the year !

farmergiles

FG is a type 2 diabetic as well. As long as you are careful and take things in moderation, there is no reason why diabetics can't enjoy the festive season as much as everyone else.
Merry Xmas to everyone