Best Luxury Mincemeat Recipes

BOOZY MINCEMEAT

Steps:

• Wash the dried fruit thoroughly in a colander under the cold tap (you may find it easier to do this in batches) - whatever it says on the packet, washing the fruit is something I've (Ruth Watson) always done. Tip the fruit on to clean tea towels and dry by patting in the cloths.
• Put the dried fruit in a very large bowl with the apples, suet, almonds, sugars and spices. Grate the zest of the lemon into the bowl, then squeeze in the juice. Tip in the peel and the alcohol.
• Mix all the ingredients very thoroughly - it's easiest to do this with your (very clean) hands.
• Cover and leave to stand for 24 hours, asking the family to stop and give it a good stir with a spoon when they pass by.
• Pack the mincemeat into sterilised or dishwasher-clean jars (Kilner jars are ideal) and top with greaseproof paper jam covers. Seal the jars tightly and store in a cool place. The mincemeat will last from one year to the next, but's best used within 6 months.

MINCEMEAT COOKIES

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Beat the butter with both types of sugar and the salt. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract and mincemeat. Stir in the flour and bicarbonate of soda, then chill for 20 mins.
• Scoop tablespoons of the mixture onto two lined baking sheets, leaving a bit of space between each so they can spread. Bake for 10-12 mins, or until the cookies are just firm around the edges but still soft in the middle - they will firm up as they cool. Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool.

LUXURY MINCEMEAT

Steps:

• Mix all the dried fruit, sugar, butter, spices, and apples in a bowl.
• Heat the cider in a large pan until it bubbles around the edge.
• Stir in the fruit mixture, lemon rind and juice; and syrup.
• Cover and simmer for 20 mins stirring occasionally.
• Remove the lid and continue to simmer until the juice is almost absorbed.
• Cool, stir in the brandy, Madeira (and nuts if using).

BEST TRADITIONAL MINCEMEAT

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients except for the brandy and rum in a medium-sized pot and slowly bring to a simmer to prevent scorching. Reduce the heat to LOW and simmer uncovered for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, more towards the end to prevent burning. (If the liquid reduces too soon and the mincemeat starts to stick/scorch on the bottom, add a little bit of apple juice or water.) Stir in the brandy and rum. (Note: If you prefer to have the alcohol cooked out, add them at the same time as the other ingredients.)
• Spoon the hot mincemeat into sterilized jars (spooning it in the jar while hot will ensure the suet rises to the top to create a layer of fat). As the mixture cools the suet will harden, creating a seal to help preserve the mincemeat. *If you're including the beef be sure to refrigerate the mincemeat. If you're storing it for more than a couple of weeks follow the directions in the blog post for pressure canning the mincemeat for longer-term storage.See blog post for additional ways of storing your mincemeat.
• Makes about 1 quart. Feel free to double, triple, etc, as needed.
• Use this mincemeat to make Homemade Mince Pies! (click link for recipe)
• Note: Mincemeat is traditionally stored for several months before using to allow time for the flavors to deepen, however this mincemeat is also delicious eaten within just a few days.