Mini Fruit Mince Pies

These little pies were my first experience of fruit mince.  And I absolutely loved them! Plus, they are mini pies which means they are even cuter to give as gifts (not to mention good portion size for the indulgent season).  I can't help but quote Nigella Lawson, who often says whenever she sees something minituare, "they belong to fairytown."

Ingredients for Pastry
150 unsalted butter
100g icing sugar
1 egg
250g flour

Method
Place butter and icing sugar in a mixer and blitz.  Add eggs.  Add flour until just comes together on the blade.  Add water if needed.  Allow to rest for 1/2 hour in fridge.  After that, use a little cutter (or a glass) to line mini cupcake tin. 

Ingredients for Fruit Mince
2 green apples, peeled, cored and chopped
250g suet mix
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
375g raisins
250g sultanas
250g currants
150g mixed peel
100g silvered almonds, chopped
1tbsp mixed spice
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp grated orange rind
1 tsp grated lemon rind
1 cup orange juice
150mL brandy

Method
Place all ingredients together in a bowl and combine well.  Transfer to sterilize jars to keep, or fill the cooked pastry shells with fruit mince.  Top fruit mince with extra pastry shape.  Brush with egg yolk before baking in oven for around 25-30 minutes, or until golden.