The best mince pie pastry ever?

ShauntheSheep

I've just been to buy Trex and found it in Waitrose - right next to Cookeen on the shelf. Mince pies with coffee tomorrow morning!

Becsam_2

Hi All,
Many thanks for all the advice about cookeen. My aunt did not know you could still get it, she will be chuffed to bits to know its still available. I am off to buy my trex for the famous mincepies, wish me luck!!

westcountrymaid_2

Just made my mince pies for xmas using this recipe, they really do melt in your mouth and I can't stop eating them, I always buy mine, first time in years that I've ever made them and they are great. Would never normally eat a mince pie without clotted cream but these are so good you don't need it! I wish they'd cool down so that I can freeze them or they won't last until xmas.

turfy6

organic_wanabe wrote: »

I seem to recall a product called 'Cookeen' which was around when I was a teenager - a white block of fat so I suppose it was like Trex. [Just did a search and see it was mentioned on this site in 2004 when MATH (missing his posts - where are you MATH?) received it instead of Lard in his home delivery.]

Next batch of pastry I make I am going to try using half fat and half philly cheese to see if it is still as crispy, crumbly and delicious. Don't suppose there will be a great calorie difference!

We can still get Cookeen here in Ireland I use it quite a bit. Have never tried it in pastry but after reading this thread will give it try with the mince pies. Thanks:beer:

mollythewestie

Thanks for this recipe it sounds great, I don't normally make my own pastry, but willing to give this a try. I bought some Trex in Sainsburys on the weekend, so will be trying these out later this week - will report back with the results! :beer:

bizzylizzy

My daughter has requested mini apple pies instead of mince pies. So I am going to use this recipe for the pastry.
I am wondering though whether I should cook the apples first, cool them down and then make up the pies as usual, or use raw apples in the pies and then cook them altogether (IYSWIM)
Any thoughts?

researcher

Personally I prefer the raw apple method, chopped into quite small pieces and tossed in sugar. Don't forget to make sure there is a hole for steam to escape or the pastry won't be as good.

If you decide to cook the apple first, why not try microwaving for a minute, just to start it off, rather than fully cooked apple?

Or, even better, try all methods and let us know whats best!

irchy_mum

Thanks OP, have just made my first ever HM mince pies using this recipe & IT WORKS!!!!
The pastry really is melt in the mouth and believe me I am not a baker.
Another thing to tick off my list of things before I croak:D

turfy6

Wonderful, first batch are cooling now, they are so yummy!! Not sure how many will be left when everyone arrives home from school/work lol:rotfl: I used Cookeen with mine and will certainly make them again, lovely and thanks for the recipe.:T

billieboy_2

turfy6 wrote: »

Wonderful, first batch are cooling now, they are so yummy!! Not sure how many will be left when everyone arrives home from school/work lol:rotfl: I used Cookeen with mine and will certainly make them again, lovely and thanks for the recipe.:T

Shove them in the freezer asap:D !