Who doesn't love a Christmas Mince Pie!

The smell of them just out of the oven, is the smell of Christmas! Just thinking about making the first mince pie of the season makes me so happy.

Homemade Christmas mince pies has always been a favourite festive treat and just because you are trying to eat mindfully it doesn't mean you have to miss out!

Ingredients

Mince Filling

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (vegan option)
• 2 large apples (preferably green apples, but it’s your choice) peeled, cored and diced
• 1 cup mix of good quality dried fruit, raisins, sultanas, cranberries, currants, etc
• 1/4 cup of mixed zest
• zest and juice of 1 large orange
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla essence
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt

*If you don't have nutmeg and clove, can substitute 1/2 tsp mixed spice.

Gingerbread Coconut Flour Crust

• 1 1/4 cup organic coconut flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• large pinch of sea salt
• 2/3 cup | 135 grams coconut oil, soft but not melted
• 3 tablespoons honey (maple syrup isn't sticky enough, use agave if vegan)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, add all of the ingredients needed for the mince filling. Cook on a medium - low heat for about 20-25 minutes until the apples soften and tender and the liquids have reduced Stir often to keep the fruit from burning at the bottom. Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat.
2. While the mince is cooking make the crust.
3. In a large mixing bowl whisk together the coconut flour and spices (including the salt) until well combined and there are no coconut flour lumps. Mix in the coconut oil and your sweetener (agave or honey) until a dough forms. Once mixed, let the dough sit for about 5 minutes so that the coconut flour has time to absorb the moisture of the coconut oil. This will make the dough easier to use.
4. Preheat the oven to 180°C - bake, not fan bake or it will be too dry
5. Once ready to roll, lightly flour a clean surface (put between 2 pieces of baking paper for easy clean up) with a dusting of coconut flour and roll out to be about ¼" - 1/6" thickness.
6. Use a round cookie cutter or drinking glass to cut out circles for your pies. Cut out 12 bases and gently press them into a greased or lined muffin tray. Fill each cup with 1-2 tablespoons mince meat. Re-roll the dough to cut out tops for the pies - you can make stars or use a smaller glass for small circle tops. Cut out 12 shapes and place them on the top of your pies.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 9-10 minutes or until the edges start to brown. Let the pies cool in the trays for at least 15 minutes before removing (This part is essential when working with coconut flour or they will fall apart). Transfer to a wired cooling rack and then enjoy!