Delia Smith is a well-known British cookbook author and television chef. Her mince pie recipe is a classic and a staple of the holiday season in the UK. Mince pies are small, sweet pastries traditionally filled with dried fruit, spices, and suet (fat). They are often served at Christmas and a popular treat for the festive season.
Delia’s recipe is easy to follow and yields a batch of delicious, festive mince pies that are sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether you are an experienced baker or starting, Delia’s mince pie recipe is a must-try for the holiday season. So, give Delia’s mince pie recipe a try if you want to impress anyone with a classic holiday treat.
Introduction
Mince pies are a traditional British pastry that is enjoyed during the Christmas season. They are small, sweet pies filled with a mixture of dried fruit and spices known as mincemeat. They are typically served as a dessert or snack and are often accompanied by a glass of brandy or sherry.
History
Mince pies have a long and rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. During this time, mincemeat was made from a mixture of finely chopped meat, suet, and fruit and was often used as a filling for pies. These pies were known as “mutton pies” and were usually served during feasts and celebrations.
In the 16th century, mince pies began to be associated with Christmas, and the recipe for mincemeat began to evolve. The inclusion of meat in mincemeat became less common and became more of a sweet mixture made with dried fruit, sugar, and spices. The pies themselves also changed, becoming smaller and more decorative.
The popularity of mince pies continued to grow in the 17th and 18th centuries, and they became a staple of the Christmas season in Britain. Today, mince pies are enjoyed by people all around the world and have become a beloved part of Christmas traditions in many different countries.
Filling for Mince Pies
The traditional filling for mince pies is mincemeat, which is made from a mixture of dried fruit, spices, and sometimes a small amount of alcohol. Common ingredients in mincemeat include raisins, currants, sultanas, candied citrus peel, spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, and a small amount of beef suet or vegetable shortening.
Traditional Mince Pies by Delia Smith
Ingredients
- 560 g mincemeat
- 350g plain flour
- 75g lard
- 75g butter
- pinch of salt
For the top:
- A little milk
- Icing sugar
Procedure:
- In the first step, you need to prepare the pastry. For this, begin by filtering the salt and flour into a blending bowl and scouring the fats into the bowl till the blend looks like even crumbs.
- Then, at that point, you need to add cold water as per requirements to blend into a dough. You must do this until all the blend in the bowl adds to the dough. Now, let the pastry stay in a polythene box in the fridge for around twenty to thirty minutes.
- In the next step, take half of it out, start folding it as slender as you can, and split it into 2 dozen three-inch or approximately 7.5 centimeters circular, getting together the pieces and once again rolling them.
- After that, repeat the procedure with the other portion of the pastry, but now utilize the 2.5-inch or around six-centimeter shaper. Then, you need to oil the patty tins delicately and place them with the bigger rounds.
- Add the minced meat to the pastry until it gets filled up to the corners. Moist the corners of smaller rounds of pastry with water and squeeze them delicately into the direction to shape covers, closing the corners.
- Apply a layer of milk on each of them and make 3 snips in the upper sides with the assistance of scissors. Place them on the oven’s highest shelf and let them cook for around twenty-five to thirty minutes till their color changes to goldish brown.
- After that, take it out of the oven and place it on a wire plate so that it gets cool down. Power it with icing sugar. At the point when it cools, reserve it in a sealed holder.
Serving and Pairings
Mince pies are typically served as a sweet treat after a holiday meal, and whipped cream or vanilla ice cream often accompanies them.
Mince pies are a versatile dessert that can be paired with various beverages. They are often served with a cup of hot tea or coffee or a glass of eggnog or mulled wine. For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, mince pies can also be enjoyed with a cold glass of milk or a spiced apple cider.
In addition to being a traditional Christmas dessert, mince pies are also a popular treat during winter. They can be served at holiday parties, office potlucks, and family gatherings. They can also be wrapped and given as gifts or enjoyed as a sweet treat while cozying up by the fireplace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Delia Smith’s mince pie recipe is a classic and delicious way to celebrate the holiday season. The delia’s recipe is easy to follow and produces a flaky, buttery crust that pairs perfectly with the sweet, spicy filling. While the recipe does require some prep time, the end result is well worth the effort. The mince pies are a perfect addition to any holiday spread and are sure to be a hit with family and friends. This recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of tradition to their holiday baking.
