Bake of the Week: Mince pies topped with granola

CAN you imagine Christmas without homemade mince pies enjoyed by the dozen – no, thanks!

If you’re whipping up a batch this year, why not top off your bake with crunchy granola?

This recipe, from Lizi’s Granola Range, makes 18 delicious pies that are bound to make your mouth water.

Lizi’s Granola Range is available at Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Co-op, and all good health stores.

You’ll need

225g cold butter, diced

350g plain flour

100g golden caster sugar

280g mincemeat

Lizi’s Original Granola for topping

Icing sugar to dust

Method

To make the pastry, rub 225g cold, diced butter into 350g plain flour, then mix in 100g golden caster sugar and a pinch of salt.

Combine the pastry into a ball – don’t add liquid – and knead briefly. The dough should be fairly firm, like shortbread dough.

Preheat the oven to 200C/gas 6/fan 180C.

Line 18 holes of two 12-hole patty tins, by pressing small walnut-sized balls of pastry into each hole. Spoon 280g mincemeat into the pies.

Roll out the pastry for the lids and use a star cutter, big enough to reach the edges. Top the pies with their lids. You don’t have to use a star cutter, you can use any shape you desire.

Bake for 20 minutes until golden.

Leave to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack.

To serve, lightly dust with icing sugar. They will keep for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.