Mince Pie Dark Cherry Star Bread

To make the bread

• Warm the milk gently in a pan.
• Add the yeast, warm milk, and 1 tablespoon of sugar to a jug. Mix and set it aside for 5 minutes until it goes bubbly.
• In a separate large bowl, add the flour, salt and mix well.
• Create a hole in the middle of the flour and gradually add the liquid and bring together to form a loose dough.
• Now add in the soft butter and mix and knead on a floured board until soft and springy. Knead for approx 5 minutes.
• Transfer back to the bowl and cover with a damp cloth for about a hr until risen and pillowy.
• The dough should have doubled in size.
• Transfer back onto the floured chopping board and knead again to knock back.
• Divide into 3 equal parts and form into a ball.
• Roll out each ball to approx 26cm.
• Line a large baking tray with baking paper.
• Place the first disk onto the baking paper and spread the cherry jam over the top.
• Place the next dough disk over the top and then spread over the mincemeat and mixed fruit.
• Place the final dough disk over the top and make sure it fits perfectly over
• Squish down a little.
• Now place a small round bowl in the centre (I used a 9cm) and press down a little to make an indent.
• Now cut strips from the edge the circle - cut 12 even strips.
• Using both hands, grab two strips and twist them away from each other three times, then press the two ends together to make a point. Your star bread will have 6 points.
• Rest for bread for 30 minutes.
• Transfer to your oven and cook for 25 minutes until risen and fluffy.
• Remove from the oven and brush with cherry jam and sprinkle with icing sugar.