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Traditional English Mince Pies Recipe Mentioned in Jane Austen’s Novel “Emma”

Mince pies are a classic English dessert, often associated with the festive season. This traditional recipe, reminiscent of those mentioned in Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’, features a rich filling of dried fruits, spices, and a hint of brandy, all encased in a buttery pastry.

Making mince pies is straightforward, and they can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter evenings.

Classic Mince Pies Recipe

A plate of golden brown mince pies dusted with icing sugar, surrounded by festive decorations.

These mince pies are filled with a mixture of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, creating a sweet and aromatic treat. The recipe yields about 12 pies and takes approximately 1 hour to prepare and bake.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas)
  • 1/2 cup chopped apples
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 cup brandy or apple juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 package of shortcrust pastry (or homemade pastry)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • Icing sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits, chopped apples, nuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, brandy, and lemon juice. Mix well and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  3. Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the shortcrust pastry to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut out circles for the bases and smaller circles for the tops.
  4. Assemble the Pies: Place the larger pastry circles into a muffin tin. Fill each with a generous spoonful of the mince filling. Top with the smaller pastry circles and seal the edges by pressing down with a fork.
  5. Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the pies for a golden finish.
  6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before removing from the tin.
  7. Serve: Dust with icing sugar if desired and serve warm or at room temperature.

Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 12 pies
  • Calories: 180kcal
  • Fat: 7g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g

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