Cherry Bakewell Mince Pies

Ingredients

• MAKE THE ORANGE-CINNAMON PASTRY
• In food processor, pulse all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, sal
• Add cold cubed butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with
• In small bowl, whisk together egg yolk, 3 tablespoons ice water, and vanilla ext
• Add liquid mixture to flour mixture and pulse just until dough begins to come to
• Turn dough onto work surface and gently knead 2-3 times just to bring together i
• MAKE THE FESTIVE MINCEMEAT
• In medium saucepan, combine dried mixed fruit, chopped dried cherries, roughly c
• Bring mixture to simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce hea
• Remove from heat and stir in melted butter until incorporated. Let cool complete
• MAKE THE CHERRY ALMOND FRANGIPANE
• In medium bowl or stand mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar togethe
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporate
• Add almond flour, all-purpose flour, almond liqueur, and almond extract. Fold to
• Fold in finely chopped dried cherries until evenly distributed. Prue praised the
• ASSEMBLE THE MINCE PIES
• Preheat oven to 375°F . Generously grease 12-cup standard muffin tin, including
• Roll out chilled pastry on lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Using
• Gently press larger rounds into muffin cups, allowing pastry to come up sides wi
• Spoon about 1 tablespoon cooled mincemeat into each pastry case, spreading to co
• Top mincemeat with about 1 tablespoon cherry almond frangipane, spreading gently
• Place smaller pastry rounds or stars on top of each pie. Press edges gently to s
• Brush tops with milk or beaten egg if desired for golden color. Optionally press
• BAKE THE MINCE PIES
• Bake 25-30 minutes until pastry is golden brown all over and frangipane is set,
• Let pies cool in tin 10 minutes to set structure - improved pastry structure fro
• Carefully run small offset spatula or knife around edges and lift pies out onto
• Dust generously with powdered sugar while still slightly warm for beautiful fest
• UNDERSTANDING SHORT PASTRY
• Short pastry refers to tender, crumbly texture from high fat content. When Paul
• CHEF'S NOTES
• Paul Hollywood's critique addressed: The pastry is delicious but sadly too short
• Prue Leith's praise preserved: The cherry and almond flavors are strong, but per
• Festive innovation celebrated: Orange and cinnamon pastry, almond liqueur in bot
• Celebrity Bake Off context: George created these for Christmas special, bringing
• VARIATIONS
• Make traditional lattice tops or full pastry lids instead of open-faced pies
• Use all traditional mincemeat without cherry and pistachio additions for classic
• Add thin marzipan layer between mincemeat and frangipane for extra almond intens
• Top with royal icing drizzle instead of powdered sugar for elegant finish