The Fastest Mince Pies Ever

Begin by unrolling the packet of pastry, leaving it on the Cellophane, then just cut out 28 x 2 inch (5 cm) discs and arrange them on the baking tray.

Next, using the 1½ in (4 cm) cutter, press this into the centre of each disc, making an incision to just three-quarters of the way into the pastry (but be careful not to go right through). Now brush the edge of each disc with a little milk, then pile about a teaspoonful of mincemeat into the centre of each disc. Arrange 3 almonds on half the mince pies and 3 cranberries on the rest, then dust the nuts and cranberries with a little caster sugar.

Bake the mince pies on a high shelf of the oven for 10-12 minutes or till golden, then remove them to a wire cooling tray. Serve warm, dusted with icing sugar.

Note: If freezing the pies, allow them to cool, then transfer to a plastic freezer box (layered with baking parchment).

To re-heat, cook from frozen in an oven pre-heated to gas mark 7, 425°F (220°C) for 4-5 minutes. Then dust with icing sugar.