Mince pies with a Twist

Mince pies are a Christmas favourite and with entering into the Christmas spirit, Gwen from the Torrevieja Showgroup decided to treat family and friends to her special recipe that she wanted to share with EWN readers.

Gwen's recipe for 'Mince Pies with a Twist' is sure to add a touch of zest to your festive choices this year. Gwen explained “I always make my own Shortcrust pastry but for convenience you can the use the shop-bought version. First roll out the pastry into a thin sheet and cut into rounds that are slightly larger than the tins. Fit the pastry into the tins and fill generously with your favourite mincemeat. Use little water to attach a top to the pie and bake in a hot oven until golden brown. Allow them to cool before removing from the tin. Then dust lightly with icing sugar and then ‘hey presto’, you have a mince pie. That’s as easy as it comes to make this favourite Christmas treat.”

With friends on the way to their pre-Christmas gathering, husband Derek said “They looked amazing, smelt great and looked so appetizing.” Friends arrived, compliments flowed, wine was poured and then the fun started as the group tasted the mince pies and the comments began to flow! “This mincemeat is very tangy and crunchy” commented Jenny, while others nodded their heads in agreement and another guest chimed up, “Whose make is it?” On looking in the cupboard at the jar, Gwen realised that she had mistakenly used Branston Pickle instead of Mincemeat! These tasty pies have now become a Christmas tradition in her household and are served side by side, but on a different plate to the real thing! Gwen wanted to share with readers her alternative version a inspiration to others looking for a fun version of a traditional recipe this year!

The Showgroup Torrevieja would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and Healthy New Year whilst sharing this Christmas favourite with you and also to invite you to meet Gwen and the cast in their latest production, 'Paella and Chips' which will be performed at La Rustika Restaurant (formerly Los Arcos) in Aguas Neuvas, Torrevieja on the 8, 9 and 10 February 2012. Tickets are available from Jenny by calling 608 129 983 / 966 181 951 or by visiting La Rustika in person any Wednesday evening between 1900-2100-hrs or Friday afternoons between 1400-1600-hrs, when the Showgroup are rehearsing their latest production, to collect tickets.

Keith Nicol