Our Festive Plait

Looking to create something a bit different to Mince Pies this Christmas? Nicki Kavanagh shares her quick recipe for a tasty homemade treat.

You will need:

• Mincemeat of your choice - it can be homemade or shop bought, whichever you prefer
• Puff Pastry - again, homemade or shop bought
• A large egg and a tablespoon of milk, water or cream for the egg wash
• A handful of flour to dust your work surface

Step 1

Roll out your pastry onto a surface lightly dusted with flour and cut it into rectangles. The size of the rectangles depends on how large you want your plaits, but roughly 10cm x 20cm works well.

Step 2

Spoon a generous amount of mincemeat onto each of the rectangles. You will then need to prepare the pastry to plait, so take a knife and cut strips about 1 inch wide (and as deep as the edge of the mincemeat) along the length of the rectangle. Make sure you cut your strips so that each side of the rectangle is symmetrical.

Step 3

Carefully fold the first pastry strip over the mincemeat and then take the strip from the other side of the rectangle and fold that over the mincemeat and the strip that you have just placed. Continue to repeat this process as you work your way down the rectangle, creating the effect of the plait.

Step 4

Once you have completed your plaits, carefully place each one on a tray lined with baking paper. Use your egg wash to glaze.

Step 5

Bake your plaits in a hot oven until golden brown. Remove them from the oven and leave them to cool.

Step 6

Add the finishing touch by sprinkling with icing sugar and serve up ready to be enjoyed!