Mince pies woith ready-roll pastry

[MrsMattie]

OK, I am lazy and clueless with baking, I admit it.

If I make mince pies with ready-to-roll pastry, do I literally just roll it out and whack in some jarred mincemeat? Do I use shortcrust pastry? How do I know if I've rolled it to the right thickness? And how can I make them more yummy? Ideally I'd like to make those ones without a lid but with a lattice or cute little star shape on top.

Help me out!

I've seen puff pastry mince pies in Sainsburys, so guess it does work with that. Think you would just cut out two rounds for each pie, dollop of mince meat filling (from a jar of course) and then put some water, or melted butter around the edge and push together to seal.

If using fairycake tins, then shortcrust pastry would be better I feel. Large circle of pastry for the bottom and sides, large dollop of mincemeat filling, then smaller circle on top for the lid. Little sprinkle of sugar immediately after taking out of the oven.

Star shape lids could work by just cutting out a star shape, with a couple of the tips touching the edges. Lattice - just cut strips of pastry out. Dampen them (water, milk, butter) to join.

Thickness wise, try putting a 2p coin next to it... I'd say that was about the right thickness.

More Yummy - alcohol in the mincemeat, whisky, rum, type of alcohol?

Nooooo - make pastry, it's so easy! Then you can buy some cutters and make star shapes and so on to go on top.

But, be careful not to fill them too full otherwise the mincemeat will boil over and your pies will have burnt edges.

Thanks both!

Alibaba - my pastry is always shit, as are any baked goods I make, no matter how simple the recipe is. Mwaaaahhhhh

I had some last year made with that filo pastry, they were gorgeous and I'd like to have a go a making some like them.
I never see filo pastry in the shop - is that something you have to make yourself does anyone know.

I buy the ready to roll puff pastry and do Nigella's mincemeat parcels from Nigella Express - they're nice.
Or, I make my own shortcrust and do normal pies. I dust with icing sugar and a pinch of cinamon sprinkled on top serve warm with brandy butter for nice.

You can get Filo Pastry sheets pre-made - Jus Roll Frozen Filo Pastry

JusRol also have recipes you can do:
Filo Tartlets with Mincemeat
See Through Mince Pies
Star Topped Mince Pies
Mincemeat Squares

Thanks. I'm obviously not looking properly.