Anyone make their own mincemeat?

[SuperBunny]

If so, how? And when? Is it worth it? And how long does it keep?

Questions, questions, questions...

tia

oooh interested in this.

Anyone ?

Please

too expensive, IME.

better to follow Good Food's recommendation for the best-testing one, buy a big tub and tart it up with your own extras and some brandy.

I use this recipe from Gordon Ramsey (I think - it was in the paper a few years ago). Not traditional, but lighter and fruitier I think.

1 dessert apple, peeled and finely grated
100g butter, melted
250g raisins
110g dried apricots, chopped
175g soft dark brown sugar
zest and juice of 1 small orange
zest and juice of 1 small lemon
50g toasted almonds, chopped
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2tbsp brandy
2tbsp dark rum
Sometimes I use Grand Marnier instead of rum

Mix together, cover with clingfilm and leave overnight.

So I don't make it in advance, and don't keep it. I do make the pies and freeze them uncooked though.

I buy a decent but relatively plain one and then add lots of alcohol.

Thanks FallenMadonna

It's almost impossible to buy here so I was thinking about making it.

I used to buy good stuff in jars and add booze & apple & spices to make it better

For the last two years I've made a Nigella one with rhubarb in. It's very easy and delish but the rhubarb is pricey so bumps up the cost a bit. Keeps for ages (we've got the last of last year's in the garage) and makes a nice gift. Recipe probably on bbc website?

Will look there, thanks

I think Delia has a recipe too.

Yes, Delia has one too. I used it before I found the Gordon one. More traditional. Very nice though, and you can store it in jars.

I always make the Nigella one (no rhubarb though) and it isn't expensive. However we have an apple tree!!

Usually make 10 or so jars + and give a load away as pressies too.

I love my own mincemeat and mince pies, can't stand shop bought ones now!!

thats the one - simple as you like

Thanks for your help - I forgot to mention that it needs to be suet-free but both those will work. Will do Nigella's to store for a while and try the Gordon Ramsey one too.