I make several variations to the same basic recipe adding alcohol to some but not all. I also use different variations of dried fruit to suit individual taste. Nuts are added to some but not all again to suit individual taste.
I use:
1 Kg of dried fruit such as sultanas/currants/raisons/cranberries
450g apples (I prefer Bramley) cored and chopped small
225g shredded suet
225g whole candied peel finely chopped
350g soft dark brown sugar
the grated zest and juice of 2 oranges
the grated zest and juice of 2 lemons
4 teaspoons of mixed ground spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
6 tablespoons of alcohol such as brandy/port
50g chopped nuts
All you do is mix all the ingredients together with the exception of the alcohol in a large ovenproof mixing bowl. This is why it is fun to include the children as it needs to be mixed and stirred thoroughly.
Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and leave overnight so that the flavours combine and marinate together.
Place some foil over the bowl and place in the oven for 3 hours on a very low heat of 120 degree C. Then leave to cool stirring occasionally. Once cold add the alcohol and once again give it a good stir and then pack into sterilised jars.
I then like to add a fabric circle and some form of embellishment. Not forgetting to label the contents.
I made the embellishment using cinnamon sticks tied together with some natural jute twine and added a little bird. Looks good in the kitchen or makes a wonderful gift. I hope that you will give it a try and enjoy it as much as we do.
See you soon.
I like the idea of using apple. I really want to sit down with a cup of tea and enjoy a mince pie but the mincemeat is just too much for me. Maybe a spiced apple pie would work for me instead. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your recipe, I have never made mincemeat, I have all those ingredients, do I think I just might give it a go.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your recipe, I have never made mincemeat, I have all those ingredients, do I think I just might give it a go.
ReplyDeleteMy mum had a tradition of making the mince pies on Christmas eve but she didn't make her own mincemeat. We're a funny lot in our house though, we don't like mince pies, Christmas pudding or Christmas cake.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your recipe. I've never made mincemeat before, but have seen it highlighted in pies, etc. Have a wonderful day. Heather
ReplyDeleteObrigada por compartilhar, adorei a receita.
ReplyDeleteAbraços
Ângela
Such a lovely idea. Thank you for sharing. I am the only person in my household that likes mincemeat alas but I always treat myself to a mincepie or two at christmas xx They make a lovely gift idea.
ReplyDeleteMmmm...looks delicious, my friend! Your jars are just too cute and I love the bird sitting on the cinnamon.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you!
This looks a lovely recipe and I think I will try it too. Its also lovely to have a family tradition of making it together, those memories last forever.
ReplyDeleteI've heard of mincemeat pies but I never really knew what it was. Very interesting and looks delicious. You've made the jars very presentable too.
ReplyDeletexx Beca
I've never tasted mincemeat but do remember hearing it mentioned by one of my grandmothers. I always assumed it was chopped up meat of some sort. Your recipe sounds delicious.
ReplyDeleteOooooh....I can smell it and my mouth is watering.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately it would be a waste of time for me to make any there is only me who likes mince pies. I still have a jar to use that I bought two years ago.
Thank you so much for your reply on my post regarding changing over to oil fired central heating. Once Andy is well we will seriously look into it although I am leaning towards LPG as it would mean I could have a gas cooker again........I would kill for a gas cooker....lol-x-
I don't remember ever having mincemeat but I do remember my mother talking about it when I was small. It sounds delicious.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
I've had mincemeat only once in my life and I got terribly sick after. My DH also ate some and had no ill effects, However it put me off it these past 35 years!!
ReplyDeleteMmmm, I can almost smell its spicy sweet goodness here across the pond! Fifty years ago when I helped my mom make mincemeat in our tiny, warm steamy kitchen in Missouri I think that we actually put beef in her recipe...I shall have to dig around in her recipes. Your jar covers are lovely! Thanks for posting :) xx
ReplyDeleteOh how yummy....I never knew how to make this, so I especially enjoyed your post. The little jars are so cute and what a delightful gift to give to someone special. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to see how you make mincemeat. I've heard of it but never had it.. it's not common here in the USA. It sounds like such a nice tradition in your family. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteYour mincemeat looks delicious, I will definitely give it a go as it's difficult to find a commercial mincemeat that's allergy friendly........we have to avoid nuts, wheat, gluten and dairy.......I love how flexible your recipe is with the ingredients. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeletefantastic solutions my dear
ReplyDeletekisses for you
fantastic solutions my dear
ReplyDeletekisses for you
Wonderful recipe, thank you so much> Woo xx
ReplyDeleteDelicious! There is nothing nicer than homemade mincemeat and the smell when making it is almost as good as the taste. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
ReplyDeleteMincemeat is a divider of persons. You either like it or you just don't. My grandfather loved it and my grandmother did not, yet she would make him a batch each November, sometimes using venison. I have no idea if I like it as I have never been able to bring myself to try it. =D
ReplyDeleteWow this looks soooo good I can almost smell it. It is making me feel all Christmasy. I have never made my own mincemeat, I usually just cheat and throw in a few extra things to a shop bought jar... Perhaps this year I shall try your recipe.
ReplyDeleteWow this looks soooo good I can almost smell it. It is making me feel all Christmasy. I have never made my own mincemeat, I usually just cheat and throw in a few extra things to a shop bought jar... Perhaps this year I shall try your recipe.
ReplyDeleteLove the decorations on the jars. I really like the kitchen to look super over the festive season, too! Oooh we eat sooooo many mince pies in our house from the fist week of December. I counted and I think I must have made 100 or more last year. I do give them to the postman and people, too, but we LOVE them! I use a pastry recipe by Mary Berry with orange jest in and my mum's mincemeat recipe with a bit of a twist as the years have gone on. Yours looks yummy and I will be making my mincemeat weekend after next.
ReplyDelete