From-the-freezer mince pies

• pack sweet or dessert shortcrust pastry500g g
• little plain flour↗

  for dusting

• about 300g/11oz mincemeat g
• splash of milk

  for glazing

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Roll out a little over half the pastry on a flour-dusted surface to about the thickness of a £1 coin. Stamp out circles of pastry to line the holes of a 12-hole bun tin – an 8cm cutter should be about right. Re-roll the trimmings until all 12 holes are lined.

2. 2

   Spoon a little mincemeat into each, then roll out the remaining pastry with a little more flour. Use a 6cm fluted or plain round cutter to cut out 12 lids. Top the mincemeat with the pastry lids, push around the edges to seal, then poke 1-2 small holes into each to allow steam to escape. Wrap the whole tray well in cling film. Will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

3. 3

   To cook, heat oven to 200C/180C fan/ gas 6. Remove the mince pies from the freezer and brush the top of each with a little milk. Bake for 20-22 mins or until the pastry is golden and crisp and the filling piping hot.