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Mincemeat

Mincemeat is a mixture of dried fruit, minced meat, beef tallow, and spices that is popular in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Northern Europe, Ireland, South Africa, and the United States.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 2 x 250ml jars
Calories: 3381 kcal
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: British

Ingredients

  • 1 lb finely chopped beef or lamb steak
  • 7 oz beef tallow , grated
  • 7 oz raisins
  • 7 oz currants
  • 3 oz sultanas
  • 3 tart apples , finely chopped
  • 2¼ cups brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons candied lemon peels
  • 2 tablespoons candied orange peels
  • 1 oz shelled almonds , finely chopped
  • 1 lemon , zest and juice
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg , freshly grated
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground mace
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
  • 2 tablespoons cognac (or brandy)
  • 2 tablespoons dark rum
Equipment
  • Non-stick saucepan
  • Jars with hermetic seal

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Combine all the ingredients except the cognac (or brandy) and rum in a non-stick coated saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 2 hours, stirring frequently and especially towards the end to avoid burning.
  3. If the liquid reduces too soon and the minced meat starts to stick or burn on the bottom, add a little apple juice or water.
  4. 15 minutes before the end of cooking, add the cognac (or brandy) and rum and mix well.
  5. Divide the mincemeat into previously sterilized jars.
  6. As the mixture cools, the tallow hardens, creating a seal to help preserve the ground meat.
  7. Once the mincemeat is cold, close the jars tightly and place them in the refrigerator for 1 month.
  8. Once a jar has been opened, use it within a maximum of 15 days.

Notes

  • Use the mincemeat to fill pies such as mincemeat pie, or side dishes.
  • Traditionally made with beef or lamb, mincemeat can also be made with wild game.