Festive Mince Pie Making at Leabank

8th December 2017

Our residents at the lovely Leabank Nursing Home, Ballycastle, got into the festive spirit and made Christmas mince pies.

With Dean Martins ‘White Christmas’ playing in the background the residents rolled up their sleeves in preparation for a baking bonanza. Everyone was talked through the recipe (although a few didn’t need it – we have plenty of keen bakers in Leabank) and the task began.

Baking brings our residents back to their happy days; it gives an unwavering sense of nostalgia that is an unmistakable feeling even for those with dementia.

It stimulates conversation and the memories of baking with loved ones come rushing back, it is an emotive and tactile experience for our residents and is such a rewarding activity to take part in, after all – you get to eat the tasty treats after!

Leabank were kind enough to share their festive mince pie recipe with you all just in time for the snow filled weekend!

 

Leabanks Festive Mince Pies

  • 560g Mincemeat
  • 350g Plain Flour
  • 75g Lard
  • 75g Butter
  • Pinch of salt

(for the top)

  • A little milk
  • Icing sugar

 

Make up pastry by sifting flour & salt, rubbing the lard into it. Then add cold water to mix to a dough.  Roll out thinly and use 2 1/2″ cutter to make into rounds.

Grease the tins and line with the larger rounds (3″). Fill with mincemeat.  Put smaller rounds on top 2 1/2″ to form lids sealing the edges. Brush with milk.

Bake for 20 – 25 mins.

When cool, sprinkle with icing sugar.

 

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