First of all pre-heat the oven to 190C, Gas Mark 5.

Next make the pastry, byt putting all the flours, butter and caster sugar into a food processor and whizz until the mixture resembles fresh breadcrumbs. You can do this by hand, but the advantage of using mixer is that the dough doesn't get warm too quickly.

Add the egg and when mixed together, take out from the mixer and gently knead into a dough.

Roll the pastry out quite thickly between two sheets of greaseproof paper.

Using a large round cutter (or a upside down jam jar) and cut out 12-18 circles and line your mince pie baking tray. Fill each cavity with mincemeat up to about two third.

To make the star topping mix the marzipan and brandy together in a bowl. Roll out thickly and cut out star shapes with a cutter slightly smaller than your mince pies.

Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Store in a tin for upto a week or two (maximum).