Mince pies...

[dr strange]

I know it's two months til' Christmas, but my craving for mince pies starts about this time every year. I'm keen on finding the perfect mince pie, so my question is, who's are the best?

[pingu97]

has to be Adsa's extra special, they are unbelievable although dont know if they're in the shop yet

[Ice-Maiden]

Your own! You can buy some brilliant mincemeat these days, so all it takes is the pastry.

[mccfluff]

my mum makes great one's but if you can't get them, then m&S do some good ones and they're also selling cream with cognac in which is divine

[pinkkitty]

when i try and make mince pies my pastry never seems that nice, and the tops won't stay on. What am i doing wrong?

[filthiestfis]

You are eating the tops pinkkitty, thats why they dont stay on.

[bimbo123456]

Pink Kitty, the trick is to underfill your pies. Dampen the pastry round the edge of the base and push down all round the crust with a fork. Prick with a fork on top. You might try chilling your pastry after making it (known as letting it rest) The pastry springs back into shape slightly thus your exploding pies. The best pastry:
4oz each SR and Plain Flour Best quality
2 oz Butter
2oz Lard + a walnut sized blob
Rub in fat to flour. Using a fork mix in chilled water very slowly. When pastry starts to adhere stop adding water and press together gently. When it is sticking together but not sticky knead gently. Flour board and rolling pin.

[ermintrude35]

my mum even makes her own mincemeat, but they can't beat the ones we get at a small, family run cake shop in town.... the best ever mince pies are at Gwalia Bakery and Tea Room, Pwllheli, North wales

[Cetti]

After homemade, the best shop ones have to be Sainsbury's. We've already eaten a couple of boxes!

[Ice-Maiden]

You're right Cetti - but Mccfluff got it spot on by mentioning the M & S ones. Divine!

[dr strange]

You know what, it sounds like home made ones are the best...and I must admit my grandma's are superb. However, the mince pies from the little tea room in Pmllheli also sound great. I shall continue my search...