How essential are waxed discs for home made mincemeat?

[NannyR]

I've made some mincemeat today and I've got some of the flip top type jars with orange rubber seals to store it in. Just realised that the recipe says to cover with a waxed disc and I don't have any.

Can I get away with not using one, or alternatively can I substitute grease proof paper or polythene (freezer bag). I'm guessing foil is a no no as it would react with the mincemeat?

First batch I've ever made and it smell delicious! Don't want to open it in December and find out its gone mouldy though.

I would like to know too. I made some, did put wax discs on but they just sort of perched on the top (unlike jam where they sort of sink onto them) - seemed a bit pointless. Don't know how I'm going to hold off for the next few weeks before trying it, it did smell lush!

do you have parchment paper like you would use to line a cake tin with? this is what I use and sort of push it on top until it bonds with the mincemeat, but if in a cool place I think will be fine without as often i'll have half a jar left over having discarded the paper top and it has been fine for over a year

You are v. organized to have it made already, I must crack on with mine ....

Level the top then pour some brandy over it

Always use piebald's method here too.

Mincemeat lasts three years at least. I

I think it's. for metal lids. I could be wrong there.

however if you have boxes of cereal in the house the plastic inner bag is ideal for cutting into discs

Thanks for all the advice - I used a circle of baking parchment in the end.

I store mincemeat in the fridge, in a Tupperware, and it lasts for a whole year, until the following Christmas.