- Butter (for rolling pastry if not using shop-bought)
- Water (or milk) – for mixing the pastry
- Almonds or Walnuts, Chopped (optional, for topping)
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Steps
### Detailed Steps to Make Delicious Christmas Mince Pies
#### Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening, cold and cubed
- 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water
- For the filling:
- 1 cup dried currants
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1/2 cup candied apples, diced
- 1/2 cup candied citron, diced
- 1/3 cup mixed peel (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
#### Equipment:
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Pie cutter or small round cookie cutter
- Baking sheet
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### Step-by-Step Guide:
#### **1. Preparing the Dough**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and nutmeg.
- Add the cold cubed butter and shortening to the dry ingredients.
- Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub in the fat until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring gently with a fork. Stop adding water as soon as the dough comes together.
#### **2. Forming the Dough Balls**
- Divide the dough into four equal parts and flatten each part slightly.
- Wrap in cling film and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
#### **3. Preparing the Filling**
- In a separate bowl, mix the dried fruits, diced candied apples, and citron with nutmeg, allspice, salt, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Set aside to prepare the pies.
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### **4. Rolling Out the Dough**
- Take one chilled dough ball at a time and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a circle about 7 inches in diameter.
- Using your pie cutter or small round cookie cutter, cut out circles from each piece of dough to make both top and bottom crusts.
#### **5. Assembling the Mince Pies**
- Place one circle of dough in the center of the baking sheet.
- Spoon a small amount of filling into the center of each circle (about 1 tablespoon).
- Carefully place another circle of dough on top, crimping around the edges to seal.
#### **6. Baking the Mince Pies**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown.
#### **7. Cooling and Serving**
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
- Once cooled slightly, you can serve your Christmas mince pies fresh from the oven, perfect as a holiday treat!
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Enjoy crafting your Christmas mince pies with friends or family this holiday season!