How to Cook Mincemeat

Mincemeat is one of the quintessential holiday ingredients, a traditional preparation that -- like fruitcake -- can raise a heated argument among purists of differing opinions. Very early recipes used minced or shredded meat along with the dried fruit, though that's now uncommon. Most traditional recipes include beef suet for the bland richness it adds to the flavor. Meatless versions use butter instead, and vegan versions often substitute coconut oil. Although the recipes vary widely, most versions follow the same basic process.

Things You'll Need

  • Dark raisins and golden raisins
  • Currants
  • Brandy or dark rum
  • 1 or more medium-tart apples
  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • Brown sugar
  • Candied fruit, such as citron or mixed peel
  • Fresh orange or lemon zest (optional)
  • Shredded beef suet
  • Warm spices, such as clove or nutmeg
  • Apple cider, apple juice or water
  • Sterilized canning jars and lids
  • Heavy-duty freezer bags

Instructions

  1. Soak the raisins and currants in your brandy or rum until they're plumped, then drain them carefully and reserve the remaining alcohol.

  2. Peel and chop the apples into roughly a 1/4-inch dice, and transfer them to a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add the raisins and currants, brown sugar, candied fruit, citrus zest and shredded beef suet. Sprinkle the fruit and suet with your spices, and stir them in.

  3. Pour in enough apple juice, apple cider or water to moisten the mixture. Bring the fruit and suet mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring it occasionally. Cook it until the suet is melted and the apples are tender, usually 10 to 15 minutes.

  4. Remove the saucepan from its burner. Stir in the remaining rum or brandy, and spoon the mincemeat into sterilized canning jars. Cover the jars with their lids, and refrigerate the sealed jars until you're ready to use the mincemeat. Alternatively, let it cool completely, and then pack it into heavy-duty freezer bags for long-term storage.

Previous:

Next:

Food & Drink

Christmas Recipes

Christmas Recipes

https://en.drinkfood.biz © Food & Drink