Mid-Week Meal (kinda): Caffe Latte Mince Pies

Makes: 12–15

INGREDIENTS:

For the pastry:

• 2 tbsps ground chia or flaxseeds + 4 tbsp water
• 100g Caffe Latte Oats
• 50g ground almonds
• 60g spelt/buckwheat/plain flour
• A pinch of salt
• 2 tbsps melted coconut oil or vegan butter/margarine (plus extra for greasing)
• 3 tbsps plant-based milk

For the filling:

• 200g mixed dried fruits, chopped small if needed
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp mixed spice
• 1 tsp coffee or espresso powder
• 75ml water
• 10g ground almonds

4. Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to n1/5 cm thick. Cut out 12 bases and 12 star or regular tops – you may need to re-roll the scraps of pastry and continue to make up to 15 pies.

5. Gently place each round base into the greased cupcake holes, fill with 1 heaped teaspoon of mincemeat and press on the star top. Brush the tops lightly with melted coconut oil/vegan butter/margarine and bake for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown and crisping on top.

6. Allow to cool and lift gently out of the tins. Serve dusted with icing sugar.\

Recipes devised for The Protein Ball Co. and The Great British Porridge Co. by Amy Lanza @nourishing.amy