Spiced Orange Mincemeat Biscuits
Prep. Time:
1.5 hours
Baking Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
2 hours 45 minutes
Serves:
12 cat-shaped sandwich biscuits
Iain's heartwarming tribute to his mince pie-stealing rescue cat Victor combines festive spiced biscuits with innovative mincemeat-infused white chocolate ganache. The enhanced definition technique addresses shape-loss issues through proper chilling and royal icing details. Paul praised the "spot on" spice blend while the touching backstory of Victor's Christmas mischief adds personal meaning. Technical improvements ensure sharp cat features are maintained through baking, creating both visual appeal and delicious seasonal flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
MAKE THE SPICED ORANGE BISCUIT DOUGH:
1. In bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and all spices.
2. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
3. Beat in egg, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla until combined.
4. Gradually mix in flour mixture until just combined.
5. Form into disc, wrap, chill 2 hours for clean cutting.
PREPARE THE MINCEMEAT GANACHE:
6. Heat cream in saucepan until just simmering.
7. Pour hot cream over chopped white chocolate.
8. Let sit 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
9. Whisk in butter and brandy if using.
10. Cool to room temperature, then fold in mincemeat gently.
11. Chill until spreadable consistency.
ENHANCED SHAPING TECHNIQUE:
12. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment.
13. Roll chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness on floured surface.
14. Use cat-shaped cutters or template, cutting cleanly without twisting.
15. Transfer carefully to baking sheets, maintaining shape integrity.
16. Re-chill cut shapes 15 minutes before baking for sharp definition.
BAKING FOR DEFINITION:
17. Bake 12-15 minutes until edges are just set, not brown.
18. Don't overbake - this causes spreading and lost definition.
19. Cool on sheets 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
ASSEMBLY AND ENHANCEMENT:
20. Match similar-sized biscuits for uniform sandwiches.
21. Spread mincemeat ganache on flat side of one biscuit.
22. Top with second biscuit, press lightly to spread filling.
23. Use royal icing with fine brush to add cat facial features.
24. Create sharp lines for ears, eyes, whiskers, and mouth.
