Easy Almond Mince Pie Puffs
Introduction:
Indulge in the festive flavors of Christmas with these delectable almond mince pie puffs. These bite-sized treats are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, featuring a flaky puff pastry exterior and a rich, fruity mincemeat filling. With their ease of preparation and irresistible taste, they will become a staple dessert during the holiday season.
Ingredients:
For the Puff Pastry:
* 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
* Flour for dusting
For the Mincemeat Filling:
* 1 cup mincemeat
* 1/2 cup flaked almonds
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
For the Egg Wash:
* 1 egg
* 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to a 12-inch (30 cm) circle.
3. In a small bowl, combine the mincemeat, almonds, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
4. Spread the mincemeat mixture evenly over the puff pastry circle, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border around the edges.
5. Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the filling, creating a sealed border. Trim any excess pastry.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash.
7. Brush the egg wash over the surface of the pie puffs.
8. Cut the pie puffs into 12 equal-sized pieces.
9. Place the pie puffs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
Serving Suggestions:
These almond mince pie puffs can be served warm or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat or as a festive dessert.
Tips:
* For a sweeter filling, add 1/4 cup of brown sugar to the mincemeat mixture.
* If you don't have mincemeat, you can substitute with apple pie filling or your favorite fruit preserves.
* For a more decorative touch, cut shapes into the center of the pie puffs before baking.