Mince pies are a traditional British holiday treat that combines a sweet and spiced fruit mincemeat filling with a buttery pastry crust. Adding CBD (Cannabidiol) to the recipe not only enhances the flavors but also provides potential therapeutic benefits. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through a step-by-step process to create the perfect Mince Pies infused with CBD. Get ready to indulge in a festive and potentially relaxing dessert that combines the warmth of spices, the sweetness of dried fruit, and the benefits of CBD.
Table of Contents:
I. Ingredients
II. Equipment
III. Step-by-Step Instructions
A. Making the Mincemeat Filling
B. Incorporating CBD
C. Making the Pastry
D. Assembling and Baking the Mince Pies
IV. Tips and Variations
V. Serving and Storage
VI. Conclusion
I. Ingredients:
To make delicious Mince Pies infused with CBD, gather the following ingredients:
For the Mincemeat Filling:
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, and sultanas)
- 1/4 cup chopped candied peel
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds or walnuts
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Zest and juice of 1 small lemon
- Zest and juice of 1 small orange
- 1-2 full spectrum CBD oil drops (optional, for CBD infusion)
For the Pastry:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons ice-cold water
II. Equipment:
Before starting the recipe, ensure you have the following equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Rolling pin
- Muffin tin or mini pie tins
- Pastry brush
- Cooling rack
III. Step-by-Step Instructions:
A. Making the Mincemeat Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit, candied peel, chopped almonds or walnuts, dark brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, ground cloves, lemon zest and juice, and orange zest and juice.
- Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
B. Incorporating CBD:
- To infuse CBD into your Mince Pies, you can use CBD oil drops.
- After the mincemeat filling has rested, add 1-2 drops of CBD oil to the mixture and stir well to ensure even distribution of CBD throughout the mincemeat.
C. Making the Pastry:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and diced chilled butter.
- Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the powdered sugar and egg yolk to the mixture and mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Gradually add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough forms a ball.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for a few seconds until smooth. Shape it into a disc, wrap it in
D. Assembling and Baking the Mince Pies:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
- Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles that are slightly larger than the size of your muffin tin or mini pie tins.
- Gently press each pastry circle into the cavities of the muffin tin or mini pie tins, ensuring they are well fitted.
- Spoon a generous amount of the mincemeat filling into each pastry-lined cavity, filling them to the top.
- If desired, cut out smaller pastry circles or shapes to create lids for the mince pies. Place them over the filling and seal the edges by pressing them gently with your fingertips or by using a fork.
- Optional: Brush the tops of the pies with a beaten egg or milk for a shiny finish.
- Using a sharp knife, make a small slit or decorative pattern on the top of each mince pie to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Place the muffin tin or mini pie tins on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the mince pies from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
IV. Tips and Variations:
- Here are some tips and variations to enhance your Mince Pies infused with CBD:
- Homemade Mincemeat: While store-bought mincemeat works well, you can also make your own by combining a variety of dried fruits, spices, and other ingredients. Experiment with different combinations to find your preferred flavor profile.
- Glaze or Dusting: For added sweetness and a decorative touch, you can brush the tops of the mince pies with warmed apricot jam or honey glaze. Alternatively, dust them with powdered sugar before serving.
- Pastry Decorations: Get creative with the pastry decorations. Use small cookie cutters to create shapes like stars, hearts, or holly leaves to place on top of the mince pies before baking.
- Serve with Accompaniments: Traditionally, mince pies are served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider adding a touch of CBD-infused whipped cream for an extra CBD boost.
V. Serving and Storage:
Once your Mince Pies infused with CBD are baked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy this festive and potentially relaxing treat. Here are some serving and storage tips:
- Serving: Serve the mince pies warm or at room temperature. Dust them with powdered sugar, and if desired, serve with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Pair them with a cup of hot tea or mulled cider for a cozy holiday experience.
- Storage: If you have any leftovers, store the cooled mince pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Alternatively, they can be refrigerated for a longer shelf life. Warm them slightly before serving.
VI. Conclusion:
Creating homemade Mince Pies infused with CBD allows you to enjoy a beloved holiday dessert while potentially benefiting from the therapeutic properties of CBD. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this comprehensive guide, you can create a delightful combination of spiced fruit mincemeat and buttery pastry, infused with CBD for an added twist.