Tom Kerridge's Christmas Podcast Episode 6: Christmas Pie Perfection

Join renowned chef Tom Kerridge as he delves into the delectable world of Christmas pies in the sixth episode of his festive podcast series. In this episode, Tom shares his expert tips and tricks for creating the perfect Christmas pie, from choosing the right ingredients to mastering the art of crimping.

The Perfect Pastry

The foundation of a great Christmas pie lies in its pastry. Tom recommends using a combination of plain flour and butter, as this will create a flaky, golden crust. He advises using cold butter and working it into the flour until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Gradually add ice-cold water to bring the dough together, but be careful not to overwork it.

Choosing Your Filling

The possibilities for Christmas pie fillings are endless. Tom suggests traditional mincemeat, a mixture of dried fruit, spices, and suet. For a more savory option, consider a filling of slow-cooked pork or beef. If you're feeling adventurous, try a vegetarian filling with roasted vegetables and lentils.

Assembling the Pie

Once you have your pastry and filling ready, it's time to assemble your pie. Roll out the pastry and place it into a pie dish. Add your filling and brush the edges of the pastry with egg wash. Roll out the remaining pastry and cut into strips or shapes to decorate the top of the pie.

Crimping for Perfection

Crimping the edges of the pie is essential for sealing it and preventing the filling from leaking out. Tom demonstrates his preferred crimping technique, which involves pinching the edges of the pastry together and folding them over repeatedly. This creates a decorative and airtight seal.

Cooking Your Pie

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the top of the pie with more egg wash and bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving.

Tom's Top Tips

* Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
* Don't overwork the pastry, as this will make it tough.
* Chill the pie before baking to prevent the pastry shrinking.
* Brush the pastry with egg wash to create a golden crust.
* Crimp the edges of the pie securely to seal in the filling.

With Tom Kerridge's expert guidance, you'll be able to create a Christmas pie that will impress your family and friends. Tune in to Episode 6 of Tom Kerridge's Christmas Podcast for a festive feast of insights and inspiration.