Christmas Mince Pies

1. To make the mincemeat, place all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix together. Place into sterilised jars and leave for at least 2-3 days.
   Preheat the oven to 200ºC, gas mark 6.
2. To make the mince pies, roll out the pastry on a floured surface and cut out 12 circles using a 9cm cutter. Press these into the base of a 12 hole muffin tin.
3. Cut out 12 x 6cm star shapes with the remaining pastry. Fill the pastry cases with mincemeat and top with a star lid. Brush with egg and bake for 20 minutes until golden.

Cooks tip: These will keep for 3-4 weeks in sterilised jars and are great to make in advance.