Do my mince pies need a lid?

[curly13]

I've made Delia's homemade mincemeat (for the first time) this year. I made it a couple of weeks ago and made the first batch of mince pies today. Rather than put a lid on I put a pastry star shape on the top but the mincemeat round the edges has burned - I think specifically the raisins or sultanas. I've never had this problem with shop bought mincemeat. Does anyone have any suggestions for how to get round this or will I just have to make mince pies with full lids?

Stars should be fine, is your mincemeat a bit dry. I always do stars or trees, homemade mince meat. MILs recipe - possibly national trust?

Yes, now you come to mention it it was more sticky than shop bought. Any suggestions for making it wetter (hoping that the suggestion will be to stir more brandy in although I suppose orange juice would have the same effect!)

Oh I always at least double the brandy in any mincemeat recipe, if not treble it... hic!