By now I am sure you know I am co-host of #craftblogclub. Our latest challenge was set by my fellow co-host Fiona. I was really pleased when this challenge was set as I have been rather quiet on the blog this year (busy having a wedding, wedding party and honeymoon!) so what a great excuse to dust off my keyboard. The only requirement of the challenge was that the post was to be based on the theme of ‘firsts’. So, this got me thinking …first sewing project, first knitting project, first kiss…no, let’s not go there!

With the clocks turning back and thoughts turning to Christmas I thought I would set myself the challenge of making mince pies for the first time. My husband LOVES mince pies and I want to be the good wife (it is our first Christmas together as husband and wife after all) and supply him with scrummy homemade mince pies. Having never attempted them or pastry before, I thought I best get some practice in before the festive season really begins. I remembered seeing a Mary Berry Christmas special last year and I found two recipes, with slight variations, online. Armed with a shopping list I headed off to the shops at 7:45 am on a Saturday – far too early for the weekend.

Everything you need

Pastry – for my first attempt I was worried it was too sticky.

But after 10mins in the fridge and a sprinkle of flour it rolled out fine

ready for the mincemeat

star pastry and grated marizpan – ready for the oven. Fingers crossed!

ta-da!

So here are the recipes:

http://www.stylist.co.uk/life/recipes/mary-berrys-cranberry-mince-pieces

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/mincemeat_and_orange_21941

I also found this youtube clip of Mary at what she does best:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ne-TIqBmrU

The verdict – I found both recipes really easy to follow, especially having the video helped. More importantly my husband gave them the thumbs up! I will certainly be making plenty over Christmas; and maybe another batch before then just to make sure I perfect them!