Niche mincemeat issue - any advice?

[choixduroi]

I made the mistake of making Paul Hollywood's mince pies, where you mix shop bought mincemeat with small bits of chopped orange and apple. I had too much so put in fridge. This was 14th Dec. Now going to make more mince pies. The mixture I put aside looks ok eg no mould and seems to taste OK, but is it, given that fresh fruit was added? Should I risk it given it will be baked at a high temp anyway or not? Any advice much appreciated.

Could you try a teaspoon of it?

No way that is far too long. Chuck it away.

If you can't see any mould and it tastes ok, then use it with a clear conscience.

I wouldn't and I'm far from a germophobe

I'm going to have to bin mincemeat too. Due to a palm fat intolerance I make my own and use traditional suet (from beef). Usually I get through the jar within a week but our Christmas has been obliterated by DD being unwell and I fear the mincemeat will be too risky by the time we get home.

Better safe than sorry when it comes to stuff like this!

The booze and sugar in the mincemeat will have preserved the fruit. You would know if it was off.

I would assume that all the booze in the mincemeat would keep it ok?

I think mincemeat lasts ages. I'd probably use it.

Thanks for replies. I did bin it. Perils of mixing fruit with shop bought mincemeat. Would have been fine for ages prob otherwise...

Mincemeat will be fine. The first batch this year were with last years mincemeat (made with suet). They were superb.
absolutely no reason to throw it away after a week, what a waste ! Mincemeat was designed to preserve over the winter, not be used immediately.

And if you don't believe me,(been making mincemeat with suet every year for about 18 years, mum for about 40 before she became disabled and unable to) here's from my Preserving book
"Wait at least two months before using"

And a final thought

how am I so old that I've been making mincemeat for 18 years...

I'd use it without a second thought 🤷🏻‍♀️

We used mincemeat this year that I made last year. Didn't cross my mind not too! It was sealed in a kilner jar and was absolutely fine.

@StiffyByngsDogBartholomew

Thank you! This is brilliant news. I just wasn't sure it's safe and am feeling risk averse as I've spent the last two weeks in hospital with DD.

Delighted we'll be able to have some mince pies now we're home as I can't afford to buy all the ingredients to make another batch at the moment.