Meringue Mince Pies

Method

To make the pastry

1. Blend the cold butter and flour into a breadcrumb consistency
2. Add cold water and bind together gently with cold hands
3. Rest for 20 mins in the fridge before rolling
4. Roll out and use a pastry cutter to create the pastry cases
5. Blind bake the cases at gas mark 6, fan oven 180°c for 10 mins

To fill each pastry tart

1. Place a teaspoon of mincemeat in each pastry case
2. Whisk the egg whites until they make soft peaks
3. Add the sugar a spoonful at a time while still mixing until the meringue is soft and glossy
4. Pipe the meringue on top of the mincemeat and return to the oven (at a lower temperature)
5. Bake at gas mark 3, fan oven 160°c for 20-25 mins