Fruit Mince Tarts Recipe | Maggie Beer

Step 1: Roast the almonds on a baking tray for about 5 minutes, shaking the tray to prevent the nuts from burning. Allow to cool, then chop. Step 2: Peel and coarsely grate the apples, then cover with verjuice to prevent discoloration. Chop the raisins, apricots, and figs. Combine these in a glass or ceramic bowl with the apple and remaining ingredients, except the butter, and mix thoroughly. Cover with plastic film and leave at room temperature for 24 hours, stirring occasionally. Step 3: Melt the butter and stir it through the fruit mince before filling tarts. Step 4: To make the pastry, dice the chilled butter. Blend the flours, icing sugar, and diced butter in a food processor until well combined and the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Step 5: Add the egg yolk and iced water and, using the pulse button, process until the mixture starts to come together. Shape the pastry into a disc, then wrap it in plastic film and refrigerate for 1 hour. (Note: 500g of pastry makes 24 pies) Step 6: Preheat the oven to 200C. Step 7: Roll the pastry to approximately 3mm thick. Cut into rounds to line the moulds you are using, then cut a corresponding number of lids. Line the moulds with pastry, then add a spoonful of fruit mince and top with a lid, pressing down on the edges to seal the tarts. Make 3 small cuts in the top of each tart with the point of a knife. Step 8: Bake for 12 minutes, then allow to cool in the trays. (If you are using larger moulds, you will have to bake the tarts for a longer time – the pastry should be golden brown.) Step 9: Celebrate the season by sampling some of the best treats the Barossa has to offer with our wonderful range of Christmas hampers.