Now that we have our visitors over for 10 days we plan on being out and about which means I’m not in the kitchen as much, but if there is one thing I HAVE to make come December time it’s Christmas Mince Pies. As I do every year, I buy the mincemeat ready made, not because I don’t have time to make it myself, I do, it’s just so darned expensive to make a batch myself, so I seek out vegan mincemeat (make sure it’s made with vegetable suet) and make up a nice big batch of Christmas Mince Pies that we can all enjoy while watching Bargain Hunt!

My pies look a little prettier than last year, I got my new cookie cutters out and chose to top my pies with stars which looks so cute. Felt like I’d just unwrapped the pies from a box bought at M&S (they aren’t by the way!). I made these in no time at all, whipped up some pastry, part baked, then filled with mincemeat, topped with stars and back in the oven, easy peasy. If you want to make your own mince meat, I found this lovely recipe, just remember to use Vegetable Suet instead.

The weather here has turned cold, I’m sitting shivering a little (perhaps I should go put a jumper on) I’m going to make a nice up of tea and get preparing for some more festive treats, I’ve still got a little of the mincemeat left over and I’m wondering if I could incorporate them into some kind of truffle, something to ponder over this afternoon whilst I’m nibbling on my Christmas mince pie and I leave you with this ditty, It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, Toys in ev’ry store, But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be on your own front door.

Festive Season Baking, Christmas Mince Pies (vegan)

MyInspiration Feel The Difference Range

Makes 12 Mince Pies – Ready in 40 minutes

1 ½ cups wholewheat flour

3 tbsp margarine

1/3 cup icing sugar

½ tsp nutmeg

2 – 3 tbsp water

250g vegan mince meat

Method