Christmas Mincemeat Slice Recipe: Festive Holiday Delight

Introduction

Christmas Mincemeat Slice is a beloved holiday treat that embodies the warmth and richness of the festive season. Originating from the United Kingdom, this delightful dessert combines a flaky, buttery shortcrust pastry with a sweet, spicy, and aromatic mincemeat filling. Despite its name, traditional mincemeat no longer contains minced meat; instead, it features a luscious mixture of dried fruits, spices, and sometimes a splash of spirits like brandy or rum, giving it a complex flavor profile that perfectly complements the buttery pastry. This slice is a popular choice for holiday gatherings, Christmas parties, and cozy family dinners, offering a bite of tradition wrapped in a convenient bar form. Whether you are an experienced baker or a novice looking to impress your loved ones, this recipe provides a comprehensive guide to creating a festive, flavorful treat that is sure to become a holiday favorite. As featured on Love With Recipes, this detailed recipe ensures you have all the information necessary to craft the perfect Christmas Mincemeat Slice, from ingredient selection to presentation tips, nutritional insights, and storage advice.

Time

Preparation and cooking time for this Christmas Mincemeat Slice is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The breakdown is as follows:

• Preparation time: 45 minutes
• Baking time: 20-25 minutes
• Cooling time: 10 minutes

This timing allows for proper chilling of the pastry, thorough mixing of the filling, and adequate cooling to ensure the slices hold their shape and flavor. The entire process is straightforward but requires attention to detail to achieve perfect results.

Needed Equipment

Essential Baking Tools

• Mixing bowls – various sizes for mixing dough and filling
• Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient measurement
• Pastry blender or fingertips – for cutting butter into flour
• Rolling pin – to roll out the pastry evenly
• Sharp knife or dough scraper – for slicing the rolled dough and mincemeat log
• Baking tray or sheet – preferably with sides, lined with parchment paper
• Pastry brush – for egg wash (if used)
• Cooling rack – to cool the slices after baking
• Plastic wrap or cling film – for chilling the dough
• Grater or zester – for orange zest
• Small bowls – for mixing the mincemeat filling components
• Measuring spoons – for spices and liquids
• Pastry cutter or knife – for trimming and shaping

Tags

Festive, Holiday, Christmas, Pies & Tarts, Baking, Sweet Treats, Traditional, Family Favourite, Quick & Easy, Dessert

Serving Size

Each serving of Christmas Mincemeat Slice is approximately one 1-inch wide piece. The recipe yields about 12-16 slices, depending on how thick you cut them. For a standard holiday gathering, this size allows for generous servings while maintaining portion control.

Difficulty Level

This recipe is rated as moderate in difficulty. It involves preparing a shortcrust pastry from scratch, making a flavorful mincemeat filling, and rolling and slicing the dough. While not overly complex, attention to detail, such as proper dough handling and even rolling, will ensure optimal results. Suitable for home bakers with some experience or adventurous beginners eager to improve their pastry skills.

Allergen Information

Note: For allergy-sensitive individuals, consider substituting dairy-free margarine or plant-based butter, and nut-free options if necessary.

Dietary Preference

This recipe is suitable for omnivores and those following a flexible diet. It is not vegan due to butter and egg content but can be adapted with substitutes. It is also inherently vegetarian. For gluten-free diets, substitute gluten-free flour blends and verify all ingredients.

Course

Dessert, Snack, Holiday Treat

Cuisine

British, European, Festive

Ingredients

Component 1: Mincemeat Filling

Component 2: Shortcrust Pastry

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Dough

Begin by assembling your ingredients for the shortcrust pastry. In a large mixing bowl, sift the all-purpose flour to ensure there are no lumps. Add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Incorporate the cold, diced butter into the flour using your fingertips or a pastry blender. Rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. This process is crucial for achieving a flaky, tender pastry. To ensure even distribution, gently stir in the granulated sugar. Make a well in the center and crack the egg into it. Mix with a fork or your fingers until the dough begins to come together. If the mixture appears too dry, add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just holds together without being sticky. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly to combine. Shape into a flat disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and firm up the fats.

Step 2: Prepare the Mincemeat Filling

While the dough chills, prepare the mincemeat filling. In a small mixing bowl, combine the store-bought or homemade mincemeat with the chopped nuts. The nuts add texture and richness. Zest the orange directly over the bowl to infuse the filling with bright citrus flavor. Squeeze the orange to extract fresh juice, adding it to the mixture. For an extra depth of flavor, stir in the optional brandy or rum, which also helps preserve the filling and enhances aroma. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Cover and set aside to allow the flavors to meld while the pastry rests.

Step 3: Roll Out the Pastry

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line your baking tray with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup. Retrieve the chilled dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch (about 0.6 cm) thick. Keep turning and flouring the surface as needed to prevent sticking and maintain an even thickness. The goal is to produce a smooth, uniform sheet that will fully cover your baking tray when placed.

Step 4: Assemble the Mincemeat Slice

Carefully transfer the rolled-out pastry to your prepared baking tray, gently pressing it into the corners and sides. Spread the mincemeat mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to level the filling for a consistent slice.

Next, tightly roll up the pastry from one of the longer sides, forming a log shape. If the dough is sticky, dust lightly with flour to facilitate rolling. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or dough scraper to cut the log into slices approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Arrange the slices upright on the prepared baking tray, spacing them slightly to allow for expansion. For a more decorative presentation, you can also slice the log into smaller or thicker pieces, depending on preference.

Step 5: Baking

Before baking, optionally brush the tops of the slices with beaten egg for a glossy finish. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Keep a close eye on them toward the end of baking to prevent over-browning. Once baked, remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Allow the slices to cool for at least 10 minutes, which will help them set and make handling easier.

Preparation Tips

• Ensure your butter is cold for the pastry to achieve maximum flakiness.
• If your dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for an additional 10-15 minutes before rolling out.
• Use a sharp serrated knife for slicing the rolled logs to maintain clean edges.
• For a more festive look, sprinkle powdered sugar over cooled slices or decorate with icing.
• To enhance flavor, let the assembled slices rest for an hour or overnight before serving, allowing flavors to deepen.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Chilling the dough before rolling out prevents shrinkage and maintains shape.
• Use high-quality mincemeat for a richer flavor; homemade versions with fresh dried fruits and spices elevate the taste.
• For a more intense citrus flavor, add extra orange zest or a splash of lemon juice.
• Experiment with different nuts; pecans or pistachios can add a unique twist.
• For a festive touch, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or drizzle with icing once cooled.
• If you prefer a crumbly topping, crumble some extra pastry over the slices before baking for added texture.

Add-ons

• Optional glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a few drops of orange juice and brush over cooled slices.
• Serving with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream enhances indulgence.
• Adding a sprig of fresh mint or holly for presentation makes the dish more festive.

Side Dishes

While the Christmas Mincemeat Slice is delightful on its own, it pairs beautifully with:

• A cup of rich, black tea or aromatic coffee
• Spiced mulled wine or hot apple cider
• Fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast
• Vanilla or caramel ice cream for added indulgence

Improvements

• Use gluten-free flour blends to accommodate dietary restrictions
• Replace butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine for dairy-free options
• Incorporate spices like cinnamon, ginger, or cloves into the pastry for extra flavor
• Make your own mincemeat from scratch for control over ingredients and flavor complexity
• Experiment with different nuts, dried fruits, or spirits to customize to your taste

Save and Store

Proper storage extends the freshness of your Christmas Mincemeat Slice. Once cooled completely, store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer shelf life, refrigerate for up to 1 week, ensuring they are well wrapped to prevent drying out. To preserve for a more extended period, freeze the slices in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

For best flavor, consume within a week of baking, and avoid exposure to direct sunlight or humidity.

FAQ

Can I make the mincemeat from scratch?

Absolutely. Homemade mincemeat allows you to select your preferred dried fruits, adjust sweetness, and add your favorite spices. Many recipes are readily available online, and they often include ingredients like chopped apples, raisins, sultanas, currants, suet (or vegetarian alternatives), and spices.

Can I freeze the assembled slices before baking?

Yes. Wrap the assembled log slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time as needed.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Not in its traditional form due to butter, egg, and possibly non-vegan mincemeat. However, with suitable substitutions like vegan margarine, plant-based egg replacers, and vegan mincemeat, you can adapt the recipe to meet vegan dietary requirements.

Can I use homemade pastry instead of store-bought?

Certainly. Making your own pastry from scratch enhances flavor and texture but requires additional time and skill. Follow the same method for rolling and chilling to ensure the best results.

Conclusion

The Christmas Mincemeat Slice is more than just a dessert; it is a celebration of tradition, flavor, and the festive spirit. Its combination of buttery pastry and spicy, fruity filling creates a symphony of textures and tastes that evoke holiday nostalgia. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting to friends, this recipe is a testament to timeless holiday baking. Remember, the key to a perfect slice lies in patience—chilling the dough, even spreading the filling, and baking to golden perfection. With careful attention to each step, you’ll produce a show-stopping treat that will impress your guests and bring joy to your holiday table. As always, Love With Recipes encourages you to enjoy baking as a joyful, creative process, and to personalize this recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs.

References

• Hoffman, P. (2017). The Great British Bake Off: Christmas.
• Harper, J. (2015). Traditional British Baking: Classic Recipes and Techniques.