How to make puff pastry mince pies....

Mince pies are normally assocciated with Christmas, but being such a delicious treat there's no reason they can't be enjoyed all year round.
Many people prefer to make their own pastry and mince meat, I have used premade ingredients to keep things simple...


Method...
To start with you wil need a rolling pin and two round pastry cutters(one slightly small than the other).
Roll the puff pastry into a even thin sheet. The virgin pastry will be suitiable for the lids of the pies.
Cut the lids with the largest cutter.


As you can see in the image to the left you will be left with some pastry scraps, this scrap pastry can be moulded together and rolled out. This cut pastry can be used for the bases of the pies.

After all the pastry has been cut out stack the lids and bases on a tray in groups of tens, this will help you make sure you have an even number of bases to lids. I place a mark on top of the bases stack to make sure they don't get mixed up with the lids.
The pastry rounds should then be stored in a frigde for 30 minutes to rest. This will reduce the risk of oval shaped pies when baked.
Lay the pastry rounds on to a greased tray or preferably baking partchment can be used.

Brush each round with water, this will allow for better bonding of the lids.


Place a small amount of mince onto the the middle of the pastry.


Stretch the lids slightly an lay over the mince .

With all the top in place they should look like this.

Press the lids down firmly with the back of the smaller cutter, this will ensure no mince leaks during baking.
Brush the tops of the pies with a glaze of egg yolk.

Add a sprinkling of sugar over the glaze, here I have used brown sugar.

Prick each pie with a small Knife, this will let hot air escape during baking, reducing the risk of the pies bursting open.
16. Place the finished pies in preheated oven set at 190ºc.
Cook for about 20 minutes, until the pastry is a golden brown.

They should turn out like this....

Serve with a spoonfull of Cornish clotted cream.