Mincemeat is a traditional British sweet and spicy preserve. It is usually made with a mixture of dried fruits, nuts, spices, and sometimes meat. Mincemeat is typically used as a filling for pies and tarts, particularly during the festive season. This easy mincemeat recipe is perfect for beginners who want to try making their own mincemeat from scratch.
Ingredients
To make this easy mincemeat recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
500g mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants)
100g chopped mixed peel
100g chopped almonds
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp mixed spice
Zest and juice of 1 orange
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
150ml brandy or rum
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your own mincemeat:
Place the mixed dried fruit, mixed peel, chopped almonds, and spices in a large mixing bowl. Mix well to combine.
Add the zest and juice of the orange and lemon to the bowl. Mix again.
Pour in the brandy or rum and stir everything together until well combined.
Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel or cling film and leave to soak overnight.
Sterilize some jars by washing them in hot soapy water, rinsing well, and then placing them in a low oven to dry out.
The next day, give the mincemeat mixture a good stir and then spoon it into the sterilized jars, pressing it down firmly with a spoon.
Seal the jars tightly and label them with the date and contents.
Store the jars in a cool, dark place until ready to use.
Nutrition
This easy mincemeat recipe makes approximately 1.5kg of mincemeat. Here is the nutritional information per 100g:
Energy: 333 kcal
Protein: 2.3g
Carbohydrates: 68.9g
Fat: 5.6g
Fibre: 3.3g
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you make the perfect mincemeat:
You can use any mixture of dried fruit you like. Try using cranberries, figs, or prunes for a different flavour.
If you don't have brandy or rum, you can use apple juice or orange juice instead.
This mincemeat recipe will keep for up to 6 months in a cool, dark place. Once opened, store it in the fridge and use within 4 weeks.
If you want to make a vegan mincemeat, simply omit the almonds and use a vegan-friendly alcohol.
You can use this mincemeat recipe to make traditional mince pies, or try using it as a filling for tarts, crumbles, or cakes.
For a festive touch, add a pinch of edible gold glitter to the mincemeat before spooning it into the jars.
Conclusion
Making your own mincemeat is a fun and easy way to add a touch of homemade charm to your festive baking. This easy mincemeat recipe is a great place to start, and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. So why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with your homemade mince pies and tarts this Christmas?