This is a tribute to my nan who taught me how to make pastry and will be missed so much this christmas. I have made these pies for many years now and they mark the start of christmas for me, i've taken them to hunt meets, shooting parties and works do's were i limit them because of the alcohol content. I buy jars of mince in january when they get reduced and tip about three of them into a giant bowl, i mix in chopped cherries and nuts then pour on the good stuff ;} Port, whiskey and calvados. Once soaked in, i store the mixture in a giant jam jar and only bring it out on the first of december. No real measures here just be generous and enjoy. The pastry is simple 225g plain sifted flour, 100g of cubed butter a pinch of salt and cold water to mix the lot together, this should make twelve pies which i sprinkle with icing sugar. Merry Christmas everyone x
