Best Apricot Mince Pie Recipes

Apricot mince pie is a delectable dessert that is typically enjoyed during the festive season. This traditional pastry treat consists of a buttery crust that is filled with a sweet and tangy mixture of dried apricots, spices, and sugar. While the idea of combining fruit with beef suet may seem a little strange, the end result is a mouth-watering pie that is bursting with flavor. In this article, we will explore what apricot mince pie recipes are and reveal some interesting facts about this popular dessert.

The Origin of Mince Pie

Mince pie has been a part of British culinary tradition for centuries. In fact, it has been suggested that the dish dates back to the 13th century, when European crusaders returned from the Middle East with recipes for meat pies that were spiced with fruit and other aromatic ingredients. Over time, the recipe for mince pie evolved and became associated with Christmas. In the Victorian era, it was customary for wealthy households to make a large batch of mince pies, which would be given to the less fortunate as a charitable gesture.

What is Apricot Mince Pie?

Apricot mince pie is a variation of the classic mince pie. It is made using the same basic ingredients, but with the addition of dried apricots. The apricots give the filling a lovely tartness that complements the sweetness of the raisins and currants. To make the pie, the fruit filling is flavored with a blend of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. The crust is typically made using butter, flour, and cold water, and is rolled out thinly before being filled with the fruit mixture. The top of the pie is then decorated with pastry leaves or other festive designs, and baked until golden brown.

Ingredients

To make an apricot mince pie, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of dried apricots
• 1 cup of raisins
• 1 cup of currants
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 1 cup of beef suet (or shortening)
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon of allspice
• 1/4 cup of brandy (optional)
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of butter (cold and cubed)
• 1/4 cup of ice water

Instructions

To make an apricot mince pie, follow these steps:

1. Combine the dried apricots, raisins, currants, brown sugar, suet, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in a large mixing bowl. Mix well.
2. Add the brandy (if using) and stir until the fruit is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
4. Roll out the pastry dough on a floured surface to a thickness of 1/8 inch.
5. Cut out circles of pastry using a round cookie cutter (or a drinking glass).
6. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with the pastry circles.
7. Spoon the fruit filling into the pastry cups.
8. Use the remaining pastry to make a lattice or other decorative pattern on top of the pies.
9. Bake the pies for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
10. Remove the pies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
11. Serve warm or cold, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

In conclusion, apricot mince pie is a delightful twist on the classic Christmas dessert. The combination of sweet and tart flavors, paired with a buttery crust, makes for a truly decadent treat. Whether enjoyed as part of a festive dinner or as a sweet afternoon snack, apricot mince pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So next time you're in the mood for something sweet, why not try making your own apricot mince pies?

Tips for making Apricot Mince Pie

Mince pie is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that can be enjoyed all year round, but especially during the holiday season. If you are looking to take your mince pie game to the next level, why not try adding apricots to it? Apricots add a sweet and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the spiciness of the mincemeat filling. Here are some valuable tips for making the perfect apricot mince pie.

1. Use Quality Ingredients

The quality of your ingredients can make or break your apricot mince pie, so it’s essential to choose the best ones you can find. For example, choose high-quality dried apricots that are plump, juicy, and have a bright orange color. Use fresh spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for better flavor, and use a homemade or high-quality store-bought mincemeat if you don’t have time to make your own.

2. Choose Your Dough Wisely

The dough is an essential part of the mince pie, and it’s crucial to choose the right one for your recipe. There are many different types of dough that you can use, such as shortcrust, sweet pastry, or even a puff pastry. Each type of dough has its own unique properties, so choose one that complements the flavors of the apricot and mincemeat filling.

3. Blind Bake Your Pastry

Blind baking your pastry before adding the filling is an important step that will ensure that your pastry is crispy and golden brown. To blind bake your pastry, roll out your dough to the desired thickness and place it into a pie tin. Prick the bottom with a fork, line the pastry with parchment paper, and fill it with rice or baking beans. Bake in the oven for around 10 minutes, then remove the beans and paper and bake for a further 5-10 minutes until golden brown.

4. Make Sure Your Filling Is Not Too Wet

The filling for your apricot mince pie should have some moisture in it, but not too much. If the filling is too wet, it can cause the pastry to become soggy and ruin the texture of the pie. To avoid this, make sure to properly drain your apricots and mincemeat before adding them to the pie. You can also add a small amount of flour or breadcrumbs to the filling to absorb any excess moisture.

5. Add Some Almonds

Adding almonds to your apricot mince pie is a great way to add some extra crunch and nutty flavor. Simply chop up some almonds and sprinkle them over the top of the mince pie before baking. The almonds will toast in the oven, adding a delicious flavor and texture to the pie.

6. Egg Wash Your Pastry

Egg washing your pastry before baking will give it a beautiful golden brown color and a shiny finish. To egg wash your pastry, simply whisk an egg in a small bowl and brush it over the top of the pastry before baking. This will ensure a perfect finish to your apricot mince pie.

7. Serve With Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream

Apricot mince pie is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The sweetness of the ice cream or cream perfectly complements the tangy flavors of the apricot and mincemeat filling. Plus, it adds a luxurious touch to your dessert that is sure to impress your guests.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, making a delicious apricot mince pie is easy when you follow these simple tips. Use high-quality ingredients, choose your dough carefully, blind bake your pastry, make sure your filling is not too wet, add some almonds, egg wash your pastry, and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. With these tips, you will have a perfectly cooked apricot mince pie that is sure to be a hit with family and friends.