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Original poster

Sorry me again - delia's mincemeat question!

9 replies

WhatNoUsername · 01/12/2023 19:51

Right have made it all and put into sterilised jars!

It doesn't say in the recipe but am I supposed to pack it down so it doesn't have any air pockets? I've just spooned it in and there are lots of pockets. Do I need to try and squish out the pockets?

OP posts:
AdaColeman · 01/12/2023 20:34

Yes, it needs to be packed down in the jar, to exclude as much air as possible.
The easiest way to do this is as you are filling the jar, press each spoonful down into the jar with the back of the spoon.

I hope that helps you. Merry Christmas!

Original poster
WhatNoUsername · 01/12/2023 22:47

AdaColeman · 01/12/2023 20:34

Yes, it needs to be packed down in the jar, to exclude as much air as possible.
The easiest way to do this is as you are filling the jar, press each spoonful down into the jar with the back of the spoon.

I hope that helps you. Merry Christmas!

Oh no! I'm going have to take it all out of the jars and redo it. 😩 Do you think I need to resterilise the jars?

OP posts:
AdaColeman · 02/12/2023 09:25

Oh sorry @WhatNoUsername , I didn't notice that you'd posted again last night. How did you get on?
I would think if you stirred each jar, and pressed the fruit down, that should be sufficient. After all, you're going to be using it within three weeks.
If you've got a dishwasher, you can just put your jars through a hot wash to prepare them.

Brexile · 02/12/2023 09:30

I agree with AdaColeman - air pockets aren't a big deal if it's being used up fairly quickly. I used to make this recipe 20-odd years ago when I was a SAHM with only 1 DC (kudos to anyone who makes their own mincemeat when they work or have multiple DCs!) and it's fabulous, fruity and gorgeous, not even in the same gastronomic universe as the miserable vinegary crapola you can buy ready made. Enjoy!

Original poster
WhatNoUsername · 02/12/2023 15:41

Thank you @AdaColeman @Brexile I took it all out of the jars last night and repacked them. It was a bit of a pain but not too bad. Anyhow done now and no air pockets so will hopefully keep if I don't use it all at Christmas. Looking forward to the yummy mince pies!

OP posts:
Dilbertian · 02/12/2023 15:55

I make a job lot of mincemeat every few years (though not Delia's recipe). I sterilise the jars beforehand, but I don't do anything particular about air bubbles, nor do I put waxed paper on the surface of the mincemeat. I just seal the jars with the standard lids. Following day I check the lids. If any pop when pressed, then those jars are stored at the back of the fridge and used first. But generally they all seal perfectly and are kept on the top of a kitchen cupboard until needed.

I use 5-6 of the extra-large Bon Maman jars, which lasts me about 4 years. I have never had any go off, not in the fridge or out of it. Not even partly used jars in the fridge.

So, no, I don't worry about air bubbles. Surely if everything is properly sterilised and piping hot, any air trapped in the mincemeat will be (a) sterilised and (b) driven out by the vacuum seal?

AdaColeman · 02/12/2023 17:39

@WhatNoUsername What dedication you've shown to that mincemeat, and so late at night too! I'm sure it will be extra flavoursome and delicious!!

Original poster
WhatNoUsername · 02/12/2023 18:11

AdaColeman · 02/12/2023 17:39

@WhatNoUsername What dedication you've shown to that mincemeat, and so late at night too! I'm sure it will be extra flavoursome and delicious!!

😂😂😂 I certainly hope so!

OP posts:
Original poster
WhatNoUsername · 02/12/2023 18:12

Dilbertian · 02/12/2023 15:55

I make a job lot of mincemeat every few years (though not Delia's recipe). I sterilise the jars beforehand, but I don't do anything particular about air bubbles, nor do I put waxed paper on the surface of the mincemeat. I just seal the jars with the standard lids. Following day I check the lids. If any pop when pressed, then those jars are stored at the back of the fridge and used first. But generally they all seal perfectly and are kept on the top of a kitchen cupboard until needed.

I use 5-6 of the extra-large Bon Maman jars, which lasts me about 4 years. I have never had any go off, not in the fridge or out of it. Not even partly used jars in the fridge.

So, no, I don't worry about air bubbles. Surely if everything is properly sterilised and piping hot, any air trapped in the mincemeat will be (a) sterilised and (b) driven out by the vacuum seal?

Ah ok that's interesting. I sterilised my jars and lids and have now repacked with no air bubbles and used the waxed discs so given your experience mine should definitely be ok! 😀

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