Cooking With Paula Mcintyre

Mince Pies with Streusel Topping and Orange Cream Homemade Mincemeat 100g ice cold butter, coarsely grated 200g dark brown sugar 2 Armagh Bramley apples, peeled, cored and coarsely grated zest and juice 1 lemon zest and juice 1 orange 50ml rum or orange liqueur 150ml Port 100ml Brandy 600g dried mixed fruit – I like a mixture of dried cranberries, cherries,figs, sultanas, pear and raisins 2 teaspoons mixed spice 1 round preserved ginger, finely chopped 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground clovesPlace everything in a bowl and mix well with your hands to incorporate all the ingredients. Place in sterilized jam jars, seal with a lid and leave for at least 3 days before using.Pastry 225g plain flour 110g cold butter 35g icing sugar 1 egg Rub the flour and butter together until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the sugar and mix well. Make a well in the centre and add the egg. Mix to a dough.Wrap in cling and chill for 20 minutes.Butter 2 x 12 hole pie tins. Roll out the pastry and cut into ro