Traditional British Boozy Mincemeat - Fat Free

Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• 3/4 pint of strong cider
• 1 lb soft dark brown sugar
• 1 lb cooking apple, cored & chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground mixed spice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 pinch ground cloves
• 12 ounces currants
• 12 ounces raisins
• 8 ounces sultanas
• 4 ounces glace cherries, finely chopped
• 4 ounces candied peel
• 4 ounces almonds, finely chopped
• 1 orange, juice and zest of
• 1 lemon, juice and zest of
• 1/4 pint brandy or 1/4 pint rum

Recipe

• 1 put the cider and sugar into a large saucepan & heat gently until the sugar has completely dissolved.
• 2 stir in the rest of the ingredients, except the brandy or rum and slowly bring to the boil - stirring all the time!
• 3 (please note it is not necessary to peel the apples - just core and chop them up finely.).
• 4 lower the heat and partially cover the saucepan and simmer gently for 30 to 45 minutes.
• 5 remove from the heat and leave it to become completely cold.
• 6 stir in the brandy or rum and then spoon into cold, sterilised jars, making sure that the mincemeat is packed down firmly with no space or air bubbles.
• 7 cover with waxed discs and tight fitting lids.
• 8 n.b. kilner jars can be used too - make sure that the rubber seals are new & not perished!
• 9 gift ideas:.
• 10 design and hand write some labels - or use a christmas template!
• 11 make some paper or pretty material lid caps/covers. secure with an elastic band & add a ribbon or raffia.
• 12 hang a gift label and a scone, cookie or pie cutter from the ribbon - the same size as your mince pie tin shapes and you have a great home-made gift for someone!
• 13 i sometimes add a recipe card too, mince pies or a mincemeat cake & mincemeat oat slices - look out for them as they are also posted on recipezaar too!