Mood Boosting Maca Mince Pies

For many of us, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we celebrate Christmas and can add to the dizzying array of demands that Christmas often brings— cooking meals, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name just a few..

If COVID is spreading in your community, you may be feeling additional stress, or you may be worrying about your and your loved ones' health. You may also feel sad or anxious because your holiday plans may look different to what you'd been hoping for.

In addition to our tips for surviving party season .. we've got a special little recipe here for you. 

Ingredients 

Method

1. Grease your muffin tray and preheat your oven to 175°C
2. Blend the all-purpose flour, Liquid Balance, coconut oil, grounded almonds, and dates in a  food processor to prepare your pastry.
3. To form a dough add splashes of water into the ingredients and blend.
4. Take ⅔ of the dough and use a round cutter to cut out the base. Press the bases into the base of the muffin tray and around the sides. Then place the tray into the oven for 20 minutes, until golden brown. Then remove from the over and set it aside to cool down.
5. Prepare your pie filling by dicing the 2 large apples into small nibble-sized chunks. Then mix the apple chunks with the cranberries, sultanas, and apricots, Liquid Gold, and a splash of water in a saucepan. Then add the orange zest and heat gently until really soft and caramelised. Pour the contents of the saucepan into the pastry.
6. The take the remaining ⅓ pastry dough and roll it out on a chopping board covered with all-purpose flour. Cut out some shapes and lay them on each base (e.g. stars) covering the fillings. Return the mince pies back to the oven for a final 10 - 12 minutes.
7. In the meantime, prepare the custard by blending the cashews, 118ml of coconut milk, maple syrup, and Liquid Balance. Once smooth, gradually add the remaining 118ml coconut milk, and continue to blend until it reaches the desired consistency. Gently heat this mixture on the cooker before serving.
8. Remove the mood boosting maca mince pies from the oven and serve with the warm cheerful custard!