Orange & Mince "Pie" Star

Flaky and crispy puff pastry, filled with Christmas flavours and shaped into a star design. This star bread is made with minimal ingredients and is really easy to make.

It is already the second Advent and only 20 days left before Christmas. I love this time of the year and the Christmas spirit is going strong.

The streets of Bath are filled with thousands of lights. The big Christmas tree in town is lit and a local musician is playing all the favourite Christmas carols on his violin. Beautiful window displays everywhere and the smell of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts is around every corner.

Today our Christmas tree is going up, whilst enjoying the beautiful star bread with a cup of hot chai.

TO MAKE THIS ALL YOU NEED IS

Puff pastry (I used store-bought)
Orange marmalade (I used a bitter marmalade, store-bought)
Mince pie filling (I also used store-bought)

It is as simple as cutting 2 circles out of the puff pastry sheet,

Spread one circle with marmalade and mine pie filling.

Cover with second circle.

Cut and shape into a star shape and back until golden.

Tips!

Make sure the puff pastry if kept cold to ensure the pastry doesn't go soft and sticky.
Work on a lightly floured surface to ensure that the pastry doesn't stick.
I find shaping the star directly on the baking sheet will help the star keep its shape - when transferring the star onto the baking sheet afterwards could result in as misshaped design - like mine did!

HOW TO MAKE THE STAR SHAPE.

Layout your puff pastry and cut 2 equal sized circles out of the puff pastry sheet,
Spread one circle with marmalade and mine pie filling,
Now gently place the second round piece of pastry on top.
Place a lid of a small jar in the centre of the pastry. this is so you don't cut through the circle completely as you need a centre part to hold the whole start together.
Now use a sharp knife and cut the pastry into quarters.
Cut each quarter again into 4 equal size strips. You should have 16 strips in total all still attached to the centre circle.
Next, take 2 strips next to each other and twist them away from each other 2 - 3 times. Press the ends together to form a point and to seal.
Repeat all around the circle.
Brush the pastry with almond milk and bake until golden and crispy.
Let it cool for a bit before dusting it with icing sugar for that snow, festive effect.

For me that dark crispy, almost burned marmalade pastry bits is my favourite part!!

WHY DO WE BRUSH THE PASTRY WITH ALMOND MILK?

Brushing the pastry with almond milk (or any milk of choice) will help the pastry go golden and crispy.

Make sure to brush it all over the pastry for an even golden finish.

OTHER FILLINGS IDEAS

Chocolate spread and chopped hazel nuts
Cinnamon and raisins
blueberry jam and lemon zest
cherry jam and flaked almond

ORANGE & MINCE "PIE" STAR

Flaky, crispy puff pastry filled with orange marmalade and mince pie, shaped into a star and baked until golden.

Serves: 3 - 4

Prep time: 25 min

Baking time: 25 - 30 min

INGREDIENTS

1 sheet puff pastry, I used store-bought
2 -3 tbsp orange marmalade
2 -3 tbsp mince pie filling
almond milk for brushing
icing sugar for dusting (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 180C
Unroll the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out a bit thinner if you like.
Using a plate (as a guideline) and a sharp knife, cut two even sized circles out of the pastry sheet.
Transfer one of the pastry circles onto your prepared baking sheet and spread evenly with the marmalade and mince pie filling. Spread evenly to the edges. Use more filling if desired.
Gently transfer the second circle on top of the first pastry circle and place a lid of a small jar in the centre of the pastry. This is so you don't cut through the circle completely as you need a centre part to hold the whole start together.
Now use a sharp knife and cut the pastry into quarters.
Cut each quarter again into 4 equal size strips. You should have 16 strips in total all still attached to the centre circle.
Next, take 2 strips next to each other and twist them away from each other 2 - 3 times. Press the ends together to form a point and to seal.
Repeat all around the circle.
Brush the pastry with almond milk and bake for 20 - 25 min or until golden and crispy to your liking.
Let it cool for a bit before dusting it with icing sugar for that snow, festive effect.