English mincemeat is a traditional sweet mincemeat used in mince pies, which are popular during the Christmas season. It consists of a mixture of dried fruits, spices, and suet, and can be made ahead of time and stored for several months. English mincemeat is also known as Christmas mincemeat, and has been enjoyed in England for centuries. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pies, tarts, and even ice cream.
Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!
BEST TRADITIONAL MINCEMEAT
Few people today know what REAL mincemeat should taste like, today's version paling in comparison to the mincemeat that has been a household tradition for centuries. Give this traditional version a try and even if you've always hated mincemeat this may just be the one to convert you!
Provided by Kimberly Killebrew
Categories condiment Dessert Ingredient
Time 2h15m
Number Of Ingredients 23
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.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 tablespoon, Calories 96 kcal, Carbohydrate 13 g, Protein 2 g, Fat 4 g, SaturatedFat 2 g
TRADITIONAL BRITISH MINCEMEAT FOR CHRISTMAS MINCE PIES!
A subtle blend of sweet and savoury with just a hint of alcohol which echoes the ancient practice of adding spice and fruit to meat dishes. I also have a "Boozy Fat Free" mincemeat recipe posted,Recipe #184762, but if you wish to make a mincemeat recipe with little or no alcohol, this is a wonderful traditional recipe for long lasting mincemeat. Mincemeat was always made at home before the advent of commercial brands, and although this is based on an old recipe, this was obviously made after the introduction of sugar into England. In earlier times mincemeat was a mixture of real meat, spices and fruit. The only remaining and symbolic ingredient of this ancient culinary practice is the inclusion of the suet - which can be beef or vegetable suet for vegetarians. Excellent in mince pies and all manner of steamed and sticky puddings! PS. If you cannot obtain suet locally, you can use grated butter instead; place the butter in the freezer until nearly frozen and very firm and then grate into the bowl straight away.
Provided by French Tart
Categories Lemon
Time P14DT30m
Yield 4-6 Jars
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Chop the nuts and candied peel finely.
- Peel, core and chop the apples into small pieces.
- Stir together with all the other ingredients and seal in sterilised jars.
- Keep for at least 2 weeks before using in mince pies, mincemeat cakes, mincemeat puddings and steamed puddings.
MINCEMEAT
Mincemeat is a traditional English treat that is usually used as filling for mince pies during Christmas, but it tastes great mixed with vanilla ice cream, as well. This recipe uses butter instead of the traditional suet, which makes this mincemeat suitable for vegetarians. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.
Provided by Ita
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European UK and Ireland English
Time 50m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Combine cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice in a bowl. Reserve 1 heaped teaspoon for the mincemeat. Store the rest in a small jar for a later use.
- Inspect two 12-ounce jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until mincemeat is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
- Combine apple, sultanas, sugar, currants, raisins, and butter in a saucepan. Cook over low heat and stir gently until butter has melted. Stir in chopped almonds, orange zest, 1 teaspoon of mixed spice, and cinnamon. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set mincemeat aside to cool down for 30 minutes. Stir in brandy. Spoon into sterilized jars.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 156.3 calories, Carbohydrate 21.9 g, Cholesterol 10.2 mg, Fat 5 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 0.9 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 32.6 mg, Sugar 19.5 g
ENGLISH MINCE PIES
Steps:
- Put the flour in a bowl. Chop the butter and blend it into the flour with the tips of your fingers (or with a pastry blender), adding the salt and sugar until it is like bread crumbs. Add the water gradually and work into a dough, moistening with more water as needed. Put the dough on a floured board and knead with the palm of your hand. Shape into a ball and refrigerate for half an hour.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Mix the brandy into the mincemeat. Roll the pastry out thin and cut in rounds half an inch larger than your cupcake tins. Use a glass or a cutter to cut rounds for the lids. Dust the baking tin with flour, fill each cupcake round with a round of pastry, and fill with mincemeat - not too full or it will boil over during cooking. Press on the lids, crimping the edges together.
- Brush each pie with a little beaten egg and bake in the oven for eight to 10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 659, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 167 grams, Fat 38 grams, Fiber 12 grams, Protein 10 grams, SaturatedFat 22 grams, Sodium 316 milligrams, Sugar 96 grams, TransFat 1 gram
MUM'S MINCEMEAT
My Mum's recipe from Lancashire, UK. I have taken over the yearly family tradition for making mincemeat. You will want to make this early- to mid-November to allow it to ferment and the flavors to mingle in time for Christmas.
Provided by Eve Cottom
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European UK and Ireland English
Time P3DT45m
Yield 50
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Melt suet in a saucepan over medium-low heat; strain liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl and discard solids. Refrigerate liquid until again solid.
- Grate solid suet, measure 12 ounces of grated suet into a bowl, and set aside.
- Stir brown sugar, sultana raisins, dark raisins, currants, fruit peel, almonds, allspice, nutmeg, and salt together in a large bowl; add grated suet and stir. Fold grated apple through the mixture.
- Cover bowl loosely with aluminum foil and allow it to sit at room temperature, stirring once daily, until fermented, 3 to 5 days. Refrigerate until needed.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 225.9 calories, Carbohydrate 35.7 g, Cholesterol 6.2 mg, Fat 10.1 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 1.6 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 149.9 mg, Sugar 29 g
TRADITIONAL MINCEMEAT
Try making your mincemeat well in advance of Christmas to give the flavours maximum time to mature
Provided by James Martin
Categories Treat
Time 20m
Yield Makes about 2kg (4 x 500ml jars)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Soak the raisins and currants in the brandy and lemon juice for 1 hr until plumped up, then drain and set the brandy aside. Mix all the ingredients together in the order given, then pour in the brandy when everything else is well mixed. Spoon and press into sterilised jars, to exclude any air (the easiest way to sterilise jars is to run them through a dishwasher on its hottest setting). Cover and leave for at least a fortnight. Will keep in the fridge for up to 6 months.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 70 calories, Fat 3 grams fat, SaturatedFat 2 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 10 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 9 grams sugar, Sodium 0.01 milligram of sodium
Tips:
- Use a variety of dried fruits and nuts: This will give your mincemeat a more complex flavor and texture. Some popular options include raisins, currants, sultanas, chopped apricots, figs, dates, walnuts, almonds, and pecans.
- Soak the dried fruits in alcohol overnight: This will help to plump them up and make them more flavorful. You can use any type of alcohol you like, but rum, brandy, or sherry are all good choices.
- Use a good quality suet: Suet is the hard fat that surrounds the kidneys of beef or mutton. It is an essential ingredient in mincemeat, as it helps to give it a rich, moist texture. If you can't find suet, you can substitute butter or lard.
- Don't overcook the mincemeat: Mincemeat is best when it is cooked slowly and gently. If you overcook it, it will become dry and tough.
- Store the mincemeat in a cool, dark place: Mincemeat can be stored for up to a year in a cool, dark place. Once it is opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Conclusion:
Mincemeat is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. It is a traditional British food that is often served at Christmas, but it can also be enjoyed all year round. Whether you use it to make pies, tarts, or simply spread it on toast, mincemeat is sure to please everyone at your table. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting way to use up your leftover dried fruits and nuts, give mincemeat a try!
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