Fig and Walnut Mince Pies with Smooth Vanilla Swedish Glace
500g (1lb 2oz) Ready-Made Shortcrust Pastry
250g Dried Figs, chopped
100g (3½oz) Raisins
100g (3½oz) Sultanas
50g (2oz) Dried Dates, chopped
50g (2oz) Vegetarian Glacé Cherries, chopped
50g (2oz) Walnuts, lightly toasted and chopped
1 Ripe Banana, peeled and mashed
5 tbsp Brandy or Whisky
½ tsp Mixed Spice
Pinch Nutmeg, freshly grated
2.5cm (1 inch) Fresh Ginger, peeled and grated
Vegan Margarine, for greasing baking tin
To serve:
Caster Sugar
1 tub Smooth Vanilla Swedish Glace*
To make the mincemeat, put the dried fruit, glacé cherries and walnuts into a bowl.
Pour over the alcohol, the ginger and the spices.
Stir well and leave to stand for 1-2 hours, stirring from time to time.
Add the banana and mix well.
Pre-heat the oven to 200°C: 400°F: Gas 6.
Grease a 12-hole jam tart tin.
Roll the pastry out thinly.
Using an 8cm circular pastry cutter and a 4cm star-shaped pastry cutter, cut out 12 circles and 12 star shapes.
Press the circles gently into each section of the tin, then put a heaped teaspoon of mincemeat into each and top with the star shaped pastry.
Bake for 10 minutes, until lightly browned.
Cool in the tin for a few minutes then transfer to a wire rack.
Serve while still warm, sprinkled with a little caster sugar and a healthy scoop of Smooth Vanilla Swedish Glace.
Makes 12 with enough filling for a further 2 batches
[Vegan]
*Available in the freezer section of all major supermarkets and health food stores.
Inspired by a wonderful recipe of Rose Elliot’s, this fresh mincemeat is easy to make and far superior to high sugar, high fat, shop bought mincemeat.
What’s more, this particular recipe has even proved popular with those who profess to dislike mince pies!
The filling will keep in the fridge for up to a week.
Alternatively prepare pies and freeze uncooked in the tin.
When frozen transfer to a suitable storage container.
To cook: return to the tin and bake from frozen.
Copyright: The Vegetarian Society from New Traditions booklet which can be ordered free by calling 0161 925 2000
Email: The Foody UK and Ireland
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