The festive period is once again upon us and with it comes the spirit of the season! There are many widely held traditions at Christmas time all around the world, and one of our favourites is the delicious Christmas Mince Pie. It’s history can be traced back to the 13th century with symbolic ingredients, but its modern form is what we love with family Christmas Pie recipes often a closely guarded secret. It has morphed from a large mutton-filled pastry to a dainty tart omnipresent on tables around the world at this time of year.

While we call them ‘mincemeat pies’, today these delicious pastries  feature no meat at all. Buttery, flaky pastry encases a blend of sticky dried fruits and spices – of which there are countless variations, and subject to personal taste. A custom from the middle ages says that if you eat a mince pie on every day from Christmas to Twelfth Night (on the evening of 5 January) you will have happiness for the next 12 months! While we’re not quite sure if that is true, we do love any reason to enjoy these delicious bites long after Christmas Day.

Chef Gary Coetzee is sharing his family’s Christmas Pie recipe with us this year to spread some cheer. Gather the family in the kitchen to create these tasty treats, and enjoy them together over the festive season. Christmas Mince Pies can be served hot or cold, and are delicious with ice cream or cream for added indulgence.

Brookdale Manor House Christmas Mince Pies and decor

GARY’S CHRISTMAS MINCE PIE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

250g butter

230g medium fat cream cheese

250g cake flour

1 bottle of your favourite fruit mince blend (400 – 500g) – you can also make this yourself

1 egg

METHOD

Allow the butter to soften.

In a bowl/kitchen aid using a spatula or paddle attachment mix the cream cheese or butter together.

Add the flour and mix to form a pastry.

Wrap in clingwrap and rest in the fridge overnight.

Roll out the pastry to 3mm thick.

Using a ring cutter, cut to desired size.

Spoon in fruit mince, brush the edge of the pastry with egg wash.

Cover and press the sides to seal.

Bake at 200ËšC for 10-15min until golden brown.

SERVE & ENJOY

Fruit mince pies are a specially held tradition and go perfectly with a cup of tea of coffee. They are best enjoyed with Christmas carols, family and friends. We recommend making them with the kids and putting on your favourite Christmas movie to enjoy them fresh out of the oven (once they’ve cooled). Have a wonderful festive season!