Christmas Chocolate Mince Pies

Serves: 12
Ease of Preparation: Easy
Preparation time: 1 hr 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Standing time: 10 mins

Ingredients

Chocolate Pastry

• 280g (9.5 oz) Plain Flour
• 200g  (7 oz) Cold Butter
• 50g (2 oz) Hotel Chocolat Organic Cocoa Powder
• 120g (4oz) Icing sugar
• 2 egg yolk
• Pinch of salt

Mince Pie Filling

• Pre-bought (if rushed for time)

1. Put the flour in a mound on a board and make a well in the middle
2. Cut the butter into pieces and place it in the well with the cocoa powder, icing sugar, egg yolk and salt
3. Mix the ingredients with a fork, working a little butter at the same time
4. Using your fingertips, gradually work in the flour until the mixture resembles fine crumbs
5. Knead the dough until smooth. Form into a ball, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for at least and hour
6. Grease tins with a little melted butter
7. Roll out the pastry evenly and using the 10 cm pastry cutter cut to size and place in the tins. Press the pastry against the sides of the tin with the fingertips
8. Prick the pastry base several times with a fork
9. Fill Each case with 2 tsp mincemeat and brush the edges with a little milk
10. Stamp out using the 7cm cutters round lids to put on top of the mincemeat, sealing the edges of the bases. Brush the milk over the pies and sprinkle with a little sugar
11. Place the mince pies in a pre heated oven of 200/ gas mark 6 for 20minutes
12. Remove and allow to cool for 30mins.
13. Decorate to taste

They are delicious Served hot or cold