Easy peasy mince pies!

Limited ingredients, little effort and practically no washing up. . . can this be true?! These were my first batch of mince pies for the festive season and I didn't think they would be as simple and tasty as they turned out. Needless to say 12 oven warm mince pies quickly disappeared. 

What you need: 

• 1 x 500g block Jus-Rol shortcrust pastry
• 350g mincemeat
• Caster sugar for sprinkling
• 1 egg 

Equipment:

• Rolling pin
• Pastry brush (or just your clean finger if you don't have one!)

What you need to do:  

• Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C for fan assisted ovens. Have ready a 12 hole tart tin
• Roll out pastry (or be clever/ lazy like me and buy pre rolled Jus Roll short crust pastry) and using a 7.5cm/3" cutter (Or, a normal sized mug!)cut out 12 discs ands use to line tart tins.
• From remaining pastry cut 12 smaller discs for lids, I used a heart cutter that I had lying around but you could use anything.

• Fill each with 2 generous teaspoonfuls of mincemeat, lightly moisten undersides of lids with water and use to top tarts, pressing gently at edges to seal (If you have just created a smaller lid then no need to seal).

Brush with egg and sprinkle with sugar

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Sprinkle again with icing sugar once cooled (If yours can last that long!)

Enjoy with your friends and family with a Chritsmassy tipple. My favourite is home-made mulled wine.