Michelle Darmody: How to bake filo mince pies for the Christmas table

Using filo pastry is a quick trick. You can buy the filo pre-made and it makes nice parcels when layered up in a bun tin

Michelle Darmody: "It is best to ensure the filo dough is defrosted before working with it, otherwise it will be too brittle."

I adore mince pies, but they can be fiddly. I often make a shortcrust pastry-lined tray-bake filled with mince for ease. 

It can then be cut into squares. You can top it with either pastry stars or with a crumble topping.