Best Mince Pies Ever

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 200u00b0C.

2. 2

   Rub together the flour and butter (or whizz up in a food processor).

3. 3

   Add the sugar and salt and mix thoroughly.

4. 4

   Knead the mixture together. Don't add any water. You'll think there's no way it's ever going to stick into a ball, but it will after a few minutes of kneading.

5. 5

   Take walnut-sized balls of the pastry and push them into the holes of a 12-cake cupcake tin, forming them into case shapes.

6. 6

   Fill each with some of the mincemeat.

7. 7

   Form lids for each pie from a slightly smaller ball of dough, patted out flat to fit. Push the edges onto the sides of the case - they will stick together without the need for any egg or milk.

8. 8

   At this point, you can freeze the pies until needed.

9. 9

   Brush the tops with the beaten egg and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden.

10. 10

    Serve hot or cold, dusted with icing sugar, with lashings of brandy butter.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.