1. Toss all the dried fruit into a LARGE mixing bowl, add the orange zest and juice.

   

2. Peel and chop the apple into small pieces about the size of the dreid fruit. Add to the bowl along with the packet of suet. Add the sugar and spices.

   

3. Add the port and stir it up really good to make sure there are no lumps of sugar and everything is coated nicely.

   

4. Spoon the mixture into one or two clip lock jars and leave in the fridge for two weeks to ferment, turning occasionally to redistribute the juices.

   

5. When you're ready to make the mince pies following the directions for your shortcrust pastry. Normally you need to leave it out of the fridge for at least half an hour before handling. Follow your pastry directions for how long to bake your pies and preheat your oven or grill - roughly 200C for 20 - 30 minutes.

For the Bacon Mince Pies

1. Grill some streaky bacon until crispy in JACK'S MEAT DUST until crispy. Allow to cool before dicing into small pieces and adding to a bowl of your pre made mince pie mix.

   

2. Use a round cookie cutter to make round discs , enough for your required amount of pies for both tops and bottoms. Place the pastry bottoms into a well oiled muffin tin.

   

3. Fill with the bacon mix and then place a round disc on top and press the edges down.

   
4. Egg wash and bake for about 20 minutes until golden.
   

For the Rocky Road Mince Pies

1. Use a round cookie cutter to make round discs and place them in an oiled muffin tin. These will not be topped so you only need the amount of rounds for the amount of required pies.

   

2. half fill with mince meat and bake for about 20 minutes until just bubbling and the pastry is golden.

   

3. Allow the mince pies to cool completely before making the Rocky Road topping by heating a big bar of dark, milk or white chocolate in the microwave until melted.

   

4. Stir in the mini marshmallows to the chocolate and spread over the half filled mince pies.

   
5. Allow the chocolate to cool and harden before getting stuck in!

For the Peanut Butter Mince Pies:

1. Mix the peanut butter, icing sugar and milk in a bowl and mix in a good few spoonfuls of mince meat depending on whether you want more of a mince meat or peanut butter flavour!
   

2. Use a round cookie cutter to make round discs , enough for your required amount of pies for both tops and bottoms. Place the pastry bottoms into a well oiled muffin tin.

   
3. Fill with the peanut butter mix and then place a round disc on top and press the edges down.
   
4. Egg wash and bake for about 20 minutes until golden