CHRISTMAS MINCE PIES

Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4,

Sieve your flour and icing sugar into a large mixing bowl .

Chop the butter into cubes, then using your fingertips, gently work it the flour and sugar until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs

Add vanilla essence.

Beat the egg with the milk, then add the mixture and gently work it together until it forms a ball of dough.

Using a round cookie cutter (about 10cm), cut out 16 bases and place them into muffin trays.

Put 1½ tbsp mincemeat mixture into each.

Re-roll out the pastry to cut 7cm lids and press them on top to seal. 

Glaze with the beaten egg, sprinkle with ther sugar

Cook for 15-20 mins, or until golden brown.