Mince Pies

Sieve the flour into a bowl and stir in the sugar.

Rub in the butter until it resembles breadcrumbs.

Continue to rub in until the shortbread binds together.

If the mixture is soft and sticky wrap and chill for half an hour.

Roll out and cut 12 circles not too thinly to line the bun tins.

Re roll the shortbread and cut out 12 tops. Stars and bells are good festive shapes. Line the tins spoon in 1 dessertspoonful of mincemeat do not overfill.

Top with the shaped lids. Bake directly on the floor of the roasting oven for 15 to 20 minutes.

Remove from the oven and dust immediately with caster sugar (it will stick on better when the mince pies are hot).