Mincemeat is a delicious English Christmas treat that's used as filling for festive mince pies. This authentic recipe uses butter instead of the classic suet, which makes this mincemeat suitable for vegetarians.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 large green apple, peeled and finely chopped
1 ¼ cups sultana raisins
1 ⅛ cups white sugar
½ cup dried currants
½ cup raisins
½ cup butter
½ cup chopped almonds
1 ½ tablespoons grated orange zest
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup brandy
Directions:
To make mixed spice: 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.
Immerse two clean, 12-ounce jars in simmering water until mincemeat is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
To make the mincemeat: 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 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.
