Excessive Mince Pie Biscuits

You know how when you’re at the store and you buy something you think you don’t have, but then upon return it turns out there are like 5 of the something you thought you didn't have?

No?

Well, it turns out I had plenty of mincemeat jars stashed away in my cupboard. Every year I think to myself that I will make homemade mince pies and every year I don’t.

It’s a bit like when Georgie stashes mince pies and Bucks Fizz all over her kitchen. I stash baking supplies!

Who is Georgie? She’s the heroine of the novels Cupcakes at Carrington’s and Christmas at Carrington’s by Alexandra Brown. I have read both for Kelly’s Book Club over on American Cupcake Life.

Christmas at Carrington’s pretty much starts where the last book left off. It’s a good reflection on how the beginnings of relationships have lots of ups and downs. Sometimes it is better to go with what you feel then what’s in laid out in front of you.

I don’t want to give too much away, but if Georgie hadn’t listened to others… well then we wouldn’t have had a book would we have!

It was a good Christmas read, but please don’t be put off the Christmas theme now that Christmas is over! Just like I want you to trust me and try these mince pie biscuits even though it’s out of season!

I was inspired by Georgie to make these Mince Pie Biscuits for her unnaturally habit to buy excessive amounts of things just because they are on offer!

Mince Pie Biscuits           

250g unsalted butter, softened

140g golden granulated sugar

1 egg yolk

grated zest of a clementine, or easy peel orange

300g plain flour

411g jar of mincemeat

Preheat the oven to 180C/gas4 and line a baking sheet(s) with greaseproof paper. Beat the butter and sugar together. If the butter isn’t soft enough stick it in the microwave for 5-10 second intervals to soften it up. Add the egg yolk and zest before beating until combined. Sift the flour in and mix until it forms dough. Fold in most of the mincemeat. It makes it very sticky. You may need to use your hands to get it to come together. I used an everyday tablespoon to scoop out the dough and place on the prepared baking sheets. If you want you can make a dent in the dough and place some of the remaining mincemeat on top. I didn’t and now I’m left with some leftover, but that’s my problem. Bake for 10-20 minutes. It really depends on how big you make them mine took 15 minutes. They will have turned a bit golden on top, but should still be a little soft in the middle. Leave to cool or serve warm with some cream!

They are very good and because it’s not in pie form, I really don’t relate it to Christmas! I hope you get a chance to read the book and keep an eye out for next month’s book on Kelly’s site!

notes: American Cupcake Life Cupcake Book Club hosted by Kelly; Christmas at Carrington’s by Alexandra Brown; my Cupcake at Carrington’sinspired treat; the recipe is adapted from Issue 24 Nov/Dec11 of Jamie’s Magazine