Mince Pies- from the UK

Mince Pies
Ingredients

Mince Pies(from the U.K.)From Suzie!
Metric:
175 g Sweet Shortcrust Pastry (see below) 225 g (about 12 tablespoons) mincemeat icing sugar for dusting I
mperial:
6 oz Sweet Shortcrust Pastry (see below) 8 oz (about 12 tablespoons) mincemeat icing sugar for dusting
Metric: 175 g Sweet Shortcrust Pastry (see below) 225 g (about 12 tablespoons) mincemeat icing sugar for dusting
Imperial: 6 oz Sweet Shortcrust Pastry (see below) 8 oz (about 12 tablespoons) mincemeat icing sugar for dusting
Sweet Shortcrust Pastry:Metric: 225 g plain flour pinch of salt 50 g butter 50 g lard or vegetable shortening 25 g caster sugar 1 egg yolk a little water
Imperial: 8 oz plain flour pinch of salt 2 oz butter 2 oz lard or vegetable shortening 1 oz caster sugar 1 egg yolk a little water
Procedure
Sift the flour and salt into a mixing bowl. Cut the fat into the flour and rub into a breadcrumb consistency. Mix in the sugar. Beat the egg yolk with 2 tablespoons water and stir in to bind to a fairly firm dough, adding a little more water as necessary. Knead lightly until smooth but do not overwork it. Leave to rest in the refrigerator or cool place for at least 30 minutes before rolling out.
(Makes 225 g / 8 oz of pastry)
Method:Roll out the pastry very thinly, 2.5 mm / 1/8 inch thick. Cut out 12 rounds with a plain or fluted cutter and grease the pastry trays / tins. Place a round in each section of the pastry tray / tin. Prick the bottom of each pie and put a teaspoon of mincemeat in each one. Damp the edges. Cut out 12 more rounds with a smaller cutter, cover the filling in each tart. Press down with the blunt end of the smaller cutter so the lids are secure. Cut a small cross in the centre of each lid to allow steam to escape.
Place the tarts on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated hot oven at 220°C / 425°F / Gas Mark 7 for 12 to 15 minutes or until well risen and golden. Dust generously with icing sugar and serve hot. When cold the tarts can be stored in an airtight container, or frozen. (I like mine hot with ice cream!!)
Makes 12
Serving Information
Serves: 12