fruit

new mince pies (with gennaro)

method

It really wouldn't be Christmas without being offered a mince pie, would it? I decided to do a bit of reinventing on the classic mince pie, so in this recipe I’m using a combination of puff and filo pastry, both of which you can buy ready-made in the shops for extra convenience.

Preheat the oven to 200°C/400ºF/gas 6. Scoop the mincemeat into a mixing bowl and mix in the dried berries, the clementine zest and the sherry or brandy.

Dust a clean work surface with flour and roll out the puff pastry into a big rectangle about 20x40cm/8x16 inch and the thickness of a pound coin. Thinly spread the mincemeat over the pastry, leaving a 1cm/½ inch gap around the edges. Tightly roll up the pastry, lengthways, like a Swiss roll, place it on a floured tray, and pop in the fridge to firm up.

Take two cupcake trays (for 12 cupcakes each) and butter each one lightly with the melted butter. Place one layer of filo pastry over the tray (you may need more than one sheet to cover each tray depending on the size of the sheets) and ease the pastry into each hole. Brush with the melted butter, then cover with a second layer of filo pastry. Brush with butter again.

Take the puff pastry roll out of the fridge and, with a sharp knife, cut it into 24 slices. Place each slice, flat-side down, into a filo-lined hole. Brush with the egg and sprinkle a few flaked almonds on top of each little pie, then pop both trays in the oven for about 25 minutes, until cooked and golden brown.

Leave to cool, then crack the individual pies out of the trays. Dust with a little icing sugar before serving.

PS You can freeze the cooked, cooled mince pies in their trays (just wrap the lot in cling film) or in a plastic container. Just reheat them in a hot oven straight from the freezer.

ingredients

• 100g/3½oz good-quality mincemeat
• 25g/¾ oz dried cranberries or blueberries, chopped
• zest of 2 clementines
• a splash of sherry or brandy
• flour, to dust
• 250g/8oz good puff pastry
• 1 pack filo pastry
• 50g/1¾ oz melted butter
• 1 free-range or organic egg, beaten
• 50g/1¾ oz flaked almonds
icing sugar, to dust

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1. by Nora Cummings on Wed 21 Dec 2011 @ 18:23

I make my own mincemeant from an old recipe passed down to me, it's really delicious, and SO much better than anything you can buy. People still balk at eating it, which I would too if I'd only ever had the stuff in a jar. It IS very rich, so serving in smaller portions like this, instead of in a traditional pie, is a good idea. I make turnovers with puff pastry, a mince "baklava" with filo dough and tarts with regular pie dough. So good with a cup of coffee!!

2. by Rosc on Mon 28 Nov 2011 @ 15:10

I decided to give these a whirl (exuse the pun) last night after seeing them on TV last year. I now wish I'd made them last year. I tweaked a few of the ingredients as I didn't have eveything in the cupboard, but all I can say is that they are delicious. They are so much lighter than the traditional mince pies, and taste gorgeous. If you're a die hard fan of the traditional mince meat filled pies then I don't know if they're for you, as these are lighter and easier on the stomach. However, I would recommend anybody with a fan assisted oven to reduce the temperature as I had to do that on mine otherwise the filo would have burnt. Took them to work and they were all gone by 11! :-)

3. by honest betty on Sun 27 Nov 2011 @ 14:45

For anyone wondering, I made these without the filo, straight onto a baking sheet lined with baking paper. They held together and the filling did not spill out. The mincemeat with added ingredients tasted fantastic, but for the die-hard mincemeat haters in my family I also made a range of other Christmassy fillings, including chocolate orange (choc spread, choc chips & clementine juice & rind). I really recommend doing an apple, cinnamon, dried fruit and pine nut mix filling as the pine nuts toast to golden and add a light crunch. Thanks Jamie - another great idea!

4. by graham on Sat 30 Jul 2011 @ 00:42

Am I missing something here? What goes on top of these pies to seal them? Instructions are a little vague. I'm guessing another layer of filo pastry.

5. by Dunc on Tue 21 Dec 2010 @ 12:35

Decided to have an impromptu mince pie making session with my 4 year old. Didn't have any filo or the dried berries but just winged it with what we had in the store cupboard and whacked the radion on fiull. Great, isn't this what Christmas is about? Agree with previous commments don't delay and get a batch in the oven NOW!

6. by Cookin\\\' Kaz on Thu 16 Dec 2010 @ 17:40

I saw Jamie make these on TV and have just made a batch myself - one complaint, I didn't cook enough of them, they're GREAT!

7. by dimwits on Fri 18 Dec 2009 @ 21:37

Don't hang around - make these. they're fab! Stop staring at the screen and MAKE THEM. NOW.

8. by adrian palmer on Thu 17 Dec 2009 @ 20:46

Hi Jamie,

i made your mince pies last year and now my wife in on my case this year to make them again, so i am glad i found the recipe again i also do your famous gravy and roast dinners. your food has so much more flavour, thanks

9. by Abi on Tue 26 May 2009 @ 10:34

OMG!! I love this recipe. I love making it with my mum at christmas and I wish it wouldn't be weird to make it now!! (in may).

Jamie Oliver you are an amazing cook :)

10. by kieran on Sat 11 Apr 2009 @ 21:25

your food is the best food ever made!!!!!:)

11. by Hannah on Sat 24 Jan 2009 @ 10:33

your food is absolutley amazing and you try and help kids eat better food.. you are so good. My mum and me love your cooking.

12. by Rebecca Allen on Wed 14 Jan 2009 @ 10:36

thanks jamie for your christmas recipies im 16 and i cooked christmas dinner for my whole family this year and i used your recipies and everyone loved it thankyou
x

13. by lusi on Tue 13 Jan 2009 @ 14:53

Don't interesting, very easy

14. by Katharine on Mon 12 Jan 2009 @ 11:52

The Vertict from comment made on 23rd Dec. I'm impressed my daughter actually liked them, infact the whole family did. Everybody commented on how light they were especially after eating them, compared to other traditional mince pies. We will be making these next year and more of them. Thanks, keep up the hard and good work.

15. by David James on Wed 07 Jan 2009 @ 04:37

Amazing, look at how many lives these mince pies have touched!! They do sound delicious!

16. by Marcella Gravatt on Sun 04 Jan 2009 @ 04:00

Hi Jamie, just loved this receipe for the mince pies, I watched it on tv just before christmas,,but I do agree that they would be much better without the pepper in lol.
extremely hot down here in New Zealand but these mince pies I would have any weather..Just love all your cooking ideas and I always watch any of your programs that comes on..Have a happy New Year
Hugs Marcella

17. by Marcio Pires on Fri 02 Jan 2009 @ 17:01

Jamie your recipies are fabulous. I watched the show last night and will use those recipies next Christmas. Your programms are just great and you have very fans in Portugal.

18. by Brian Fox on Fri 02 Jan 2009 @ 14:14

I watched your both shows at Christmas and was hugely impressed! Unfortunately, I am hard of hearing so I am delighted to find the recipes in written form (which I will copy).
Will the shows be available on DVD? with sub-titles? If they are, here is your first customer!!

19. by paco on Fri 02 Jan 2009 @ 09:15

jamie thanks mate for every thing you have helped keep my passion for cooking alive one day i would like to become as succesfull as u cheers

20. by marie on Thu 01 Jan 2009 @ 20:36

these are so fab, i saved the photo and used it as my desktop picture!
thank you jamie, i'm looking forward to next year's xmas special already! (and please bring back gennero, he's brilliant too)

21. by Tony on Wed 31 Dec 2008 @ 10:52

Fantastic recipe thanks

22. by bobbie on Wed 31 Dec 2008 @ 10:14

i am inspired by jamie i am only 12 'n' i love cooking i hope to be as big as u one day i am
going to have a go at macking them thanks a lot for your brillent

23. by Caroline Sale on Tue 30 Dec 2008 @ 14:32

I don't like mincemeat so I adapted the idea using stewed apples with cinnamon and sultanas as the filler, they were delicious. Can't believe I even achieved it considering how much I hate cooking. Thanks for inspiring me Jamie

24. by Em on Mon 29 Dec 2008 @ 21:45

Fab - best mince pies ever - don't get too big headed about this Jamie!!! LOL

We did one tray in muffin tins - did not work too deep... and the second batch ina shallower tin - worked perfectly - That is probably the trick to success with these!

Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!

25. by Adam on Mon 29 Dec 2008 @ 01:28

Made two batches of these for Christmas after watching the program. Went down a storm! Nice one.

p.s. to Francis for future reference, I used the creme fraiche recipe from the program to go with them and it rocked. It went something like this: Heat brandy and add to a large pot of crème fraiche, mixing the clementine zest in. Add 2 tsp of vanilla sugar and mix. Add a dollop to your pies! Enjoy.

26. by Lizzie on Sun 28 Dec 2008 @ 13:04

These mince pies are brilliant, easy to make but look really special, great hit with all the family and friends. Thanks for a great new concept on mince pies.

27. by Lesley on Sun 28 Dec 2008 @ 06:02

these sound yummy but someone has made an error under the menu listing up the top ...they've put this under the meat category surely it should be under dessert...I know it says mincemeat but that surely is fruit mince...not the meat thats been put thru a mincer lol

28. by kitchen apron on Sat 27 Dec 2008 @ 20:24

Fab pies. Everyone liked them. It doesn't work with muffin trays as the filo splits so I've got an excuse to go and buy a cupcake tray!

29. by Gary Douch on Sat 27 Dec 2008 @ 18:20

Fantastic, I always watch cooking programs when I can but I feel more inspired when watching Jamie Oliver. The Christmas shows were stunning and I used all the recipes and will be trying the popcorn tomorrow. My Christmas lunch was loved by all and the roasted veg and potato in goose fat were a bonus!

My wife is glad she does not need to cook anymore, I am a man possessed, thanks JME.

Gary

30. by Susanne on Sat 27 Dec 2008 @ 15:02

I hope that someone will help me...
I'm danish, at I saw the program where Jamie made theese, and they look lovely.
But I am not sure if the filling is meat or fruit. I the danish translation they said at bottle of mixed fruits, but in the recipe it sais meat - I'm confused. Can any one help ???

31. by fran on Fri 26 Dec 2008 @ 11:16

wicked mince pies went down a treat. trying out the turkey pie today(boxing day)

32. by Susan on Thu 25 Dec 2008 @ 13:30

Made these mince pies last year and have made them nearly every month since - my boys love them - so do my husband and I - off to make some more before our visitors arrive tomorrow - keep on cooking Jamie - now i'm looking for your cranberry sauce receipe - my son is a chef and he's working today so I'm allowed back in my kitchen

33. by Roger on Thu 25 Dec 2008 @ 04:01

What a great recipe, but I could have sworn that you had chopped roasted chestnuts in the mix.

34. by derrek long on Thu 25 Dec 2008 @ 01:07

I had ago at baking the mince all my work mates enjoyed them

35. by Sazz35 on Wed 24 Dec 2008 @ 19:44

I tried this mince pie recipe and everyone who tried them thought they were fab!!
thanks x and merry christmas to everyone xx

36. by Helen on Wed 24 Dec 2008 @ 17:38

These looked so tasty, I thought I would do them instead of the traditional pies. I was quite disappointed - I don't know what I did wrong. After 20-25 mins, the puff pastry insides were just done, but the filo pastry was burnt. I think I will just do the puff pastry and forget about the filo cases next time, coz that bit was delicious!

37. by Francis on Wed 24 Dec 2008 @ 16:08

Merry Christmas Jamie from Singapore, hope you and your family have a pukka one!!

38. by Jean on Wed 24 Dec 2008 @ 14:12

Hi Jamie, just wanted to thank you for your inspiration. Having cooked Christmas dinner for so many years I was a bit jaded but not any more. I will definitely be trying your filo/puff pastry mince pies and am cooking goose for a change. Luv ya.

39. by rosieposie on Wed 24 Dec 2008 @ 11:42

Lovely recipe, but WHY is it in the MEAT section??? Mincemeat is neither mince nor meat.

40. by Vanessa Galea on Wed 24 Dec 2008 @ 11:19

These mince pies are divine!! even my kids liked them and that's saying something! watched jamie on youtube with gennaro..now it's off the air..does anybody remember the creme fraiche mixture..rum, vanilla...

41. by Stuey P on Wed 24 Dec 2008 @ 00:20

Messed up and bought sweet pastry instead of puff. will that still be ok?

Please help!

42. by andy on Tue 23 Dec 2008 @ 22:07

jamie your puff pastry mince pies went down a storm last year. so much so that i have my orders from everyone this year, so thanks for the recipes.

43. by Toni on Tue 23 Dec 2008 @ 20:05

your christmas show is brilliant,your mince pies have inspired my partner to make some.

44. by 50schick on Tue 23 Dec 2008 @ 19:37

I decided yesterday that i was going to attempt to make these Mince Pies as they looked so yummy but so different!.....
Well....after alot of worrying,thinking they were not going to come out like they should...i was surprised.....They came out perfect & the taste is out of this world!
Even my 10 year old Son liked them & he has never liked Mince Pies.
Its true what they say...you can`t beat home Cooking/Baking!!!
I`ve now decided with my new found confidence,that i am going to spend more time in the kitchen experimenting with all types of new dishes for my family!
Wish me luck! ;)

45. by Margret on Tue 23 Dec 2008 @ 18:35

Don't even bother....
I made these with my daughter after seeing them on the 'Christmas Special'. As easy as they are to make, the philo pastry cooked long before the puff pastry did, resulting in a burnt and ruined batch of mince pies. Extremly dissapointing as I have never had a recipie from Jamie turn out so badly!

46. by Nick on Tue 23 Dec 2008 @ 16:18

good recipe but how many does it make

47. by mia on Tue 23 Dec 2008 @ 14:03

just been and got all I need to make these mince pies christmas eve, hope they taste as good as jamie made them look. Thanks for the insparation :-) merry xmas to all. xxx

48. by Katharine on Tue 23 Dec 2008 @ 12:22

My daughter (7yrs) and I were glued to the television together watching you make these. We were so impressed that we thought we'd have ago. We will give you our verticted later. I hope you and your girls have a good Xmas.

49. by Tim Wright on Tue 23 Dec 2008 @ 02:18

Thank-you for all the lovely recipes Jamie.

I have to say your Christmas show this year was absolutely brilliant. I have got 3 new recipes that I will no doubt use for the rest of my life.

Thank-you again!

50. by Helen on Mon 22 Dec 2008 @ 18:39

These are the best mince pies ever, thought I would bake these as i am not keen on shop bought ones.
I recommend these, they taste fantastic!!

51. by lester greenslade on Mon 22 Dec 2008 @ 13:43

i made these pies thinking that i would make a mess of them but, doing this recipe helped me go through everything thankyou they were very good.

52. by karen reith on Mon 22 Dec 2008 @ 13:13

My husband made these mince pies last year and they were lovely, we wouldn't normally eat mince pies but they were that good he's doing them again xmas eve to impress parents and nan when they arrive for xmas. Thankyou x

53. by Barb on Mon 22 Dec 2008 @ 03:18

Thanks for putting this recipe on the site. I enjoyed the Christmas special today, and decided I wanted to try the mince pie recipe for Christmas Eve Dinner- I'm going to try it. One of my guests is a good friend who happens to be a great baker,so I am going to impress...............

54. by Lois McFarlane on Sun 21 Dec 2008 @ 21:49

Really enjoying your latest "Jamie Cooks Christmas" show are you going to put this out in a new book? especially the new twist on the mince pies which I have just made six dozen of to give away as gifts.

55. by caitlin on Sun 21 Dec 2008 @ 14:19

i luv the way there so rough and ready and very elegant at the same time going to try to make them now to see how nice they are.

56. by Jamie Wagg on Sun 21 Dec 2008 @ 13:39

When you do your bake is it regular or convection oven?

57. by Chris Chew on Sun 21 Dec 2008 @ 08:16

I saw Jamie make these on a repeat of his Xmas show and apart from how easy it looked, I have never seen anything like this anywhere and cant wait to make these for myself.

58. by Sarah Johns on Sat 20 Dec 2008 @ 19:51

My first attempt wasn't that successful, they were a little too well cooked...possibly because the aga was too hot. But the second lot were great in the electric oven, they disappeared fast off the plate!
Overall, this is a great recipe, such a good twist on the classic mince pie!
Sarah xx

59. by Jo Newman on Sat 20 Dec 2008 @ 18:48

Excellent! I saw Jamie do these on TV - I will be making these with my girls tomorrow!

60. by Jayne on Sat 20 Dec 2008 @ 17:38

I am made these this afternoon and they were so simple to do and look fabulous - Thank you Jamie for making me look like a half decent cook!!

61. by matthew on Sat 20 Dec 2008 @ 15:04

i love your programs and your food

62. by Debbie Balser on Sat 20 Dec 2008 @ 13:28

So glad I found this!!! watched the show last night and these will definitely be my pies this year, thanks for the inspiration!!! loved the show

63. by Francis Chandler on Sat 20 Dec 2008 @ 12:22

This recipe looked stunning. But what was the Creme Fraiche recipe you had to go with it?

64. by Kate Jackson on Sat 20 Dec 2008 @ 10:47

Saw Jamie make these mince pies on tv last night. A definate for our xmas table. cant wait.

65. by charlie wakefild on Sat 20 Dec 2008 @ 09:54

i love these mince pies they look like jam rolly pollyes

66. by Julie Barker on Sat 20 Dec 2008 @ 08:00

Now I don't worry about my pies being compared to his motthers. Simply gorgeous!

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