After making mince pies for everyone else it was finally time to make some for ourselves!  It was Christmas Eve afternoon, we’d been out to the pub for our traditional Christmas Eve lunch and to be honest I didn’t feel like doing any more baking.  But the rolling pin and the flour beckoned.

I’ve always enjoyed using Nigella’s recipe for Star Topped Mince Pies from her Domestic Goddess cook book.  Nigella has always been one of my idols and I have loved baking from her books ever since I bought her Domestic Goddess book back in 2004. This book, along with her Feast book encouraged me to bake. I was depressed when my son started school as at the time my career was on hold bringing up my children and to Nigella I feel indebted.  Her books gave me the confidence to try new things and to bring me through a difficult time.

So back to 2013 and to a better place! I never make mince pies with lids as it’s always far too much pastry for me but I like these.  They don’t come out too big either but with a spoonful of brandy cream on top equals heaven to me.

Everyone who comes to our house over Christmas gets offered one of these and I’m pleased to say they go down well with most people who like mince pies.

Nigella says that this recipe makes 36 mince pies but I just about managed to get 24 out of the pastry.  I wondered if the pastry had to be rolled even thinner than I’d done it but I was worried about it breaking.  I do find it annoying when recipes say it makes a certain number only for it to make a lot less. I sometimes find this with buttercream when icing cupcakes. I should have made double!  I have some mincemeat spare so if I do need to make more at least I can make more!

Happy Baking!

Love Sam xx