New Year’s Eve Party Prep

Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Heat the olive oil in a Le Creuset Dutch Oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Add the minced pork to the Dutch Oven. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Once the pork is fully cooked, stir in the beef broth, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, summer savory, pepper, and ground cloves. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer gently until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool down a bit. Then, mix in the mashed potatoes. This helps to bind the filling. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Pie Shells:

Roll out your pie crust or puff pastry on a floured surface. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles that will fit into the cups of a Le Creuset Non-Stick Muffin Pan. Gently press the pastry circles into the muffin cups, making sure they are well fitted.

Assemble the Bites:

Spoon the pork filling into each pastry-lined muffin cup, filling them to just below the rim. Using a cookie cutter, cut our starts or any shapes to place on top of each bite.

Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing.

Serve:

Serve these mini tourtière bites warm. They are great on their own or with a side of ketchup, chutney, or mustard for dipping.

To make Homemade Ketchup:

To make a rich homemade ketchup, start by finely chopping one onion and one green pepper. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine these with a 796 ml can of diced tomatoes and a can of tomato paste. Add one cup of sugar and a teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld together. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and there you have it – a batch of homemade ketchup with a fresh, tangy, and sweet flavor.

Enjoy your Mini Tourtière Bites, a charming and delicious appetizer that encapsulates the essence of the classic French-Canadian dish in a bite-sized form!