середа, 27 грудня 2017 р.

We are having a Christmas Party









Our Christmas Party



Our Preparation for Christmas




Christmas without mince pies is unimaginable. Why?  Mince pies have been eaten as part of a traditional British Christmas since as long ago as the 16th century. Then, they were made of meat but are now made with sweet mincemeat; a mixture of dried fruits, sugar, spices and brandy. So, they are pretty much part of the heritage of a British Christmas. 
Have a look at this easy recipe for the rich, sticky, sweet fruits wrapped in pastry and you will see why they are so popular. 


What You'll Need

  • 12 oz./350g all-purpose flour/plain flour
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 oz./225g butter (cubed or an equal mix of butter and lard)
  • 1 beaten egg and cold water as needed (to bind the pastry)
  • 1 jar of mincemeat (shop bought or homemade, see notes below)



How to Make It

Heat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6
Make the Pastry
  1. Place the flour, butter, and salt into a large, clean bowl (or you can make this is a food processor)
  2. Rub the butter quickly into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles rough sand.
  3. Stir the egg into the mixture using a cold knife. The add cold water a teaspoon at a time and stir until the mixture binds but is not sticky.
  4. Wrap the dough in clingfilm and chill for a minimum of 15 minutes, up to 30 minutes.