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Quick Mincemeat Recipe

Erin Rains
Mincemeat, often a star of the holiday season, is not just for pies. You can pair it with a variety of dishes. Think of hearty oatmeal cakes, delightful savory pastries, or simply spooned over creamy vanilla ice cream for an unexpected treat. You can also try it on toast or as a topping for yogurt. The possibilities are endless, and the flavors are cozy and inviting.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 14
Calories 165 kcal

Equipment

  • sauce pan, whisk, bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 100 g plump raisins
  • 75 g candied mixed peel
  • 150 g dried currants
  • 200 g dark muscovado sugar
  • 150 g golden sultanas
  • 1 small cooking apple peeled, cored, and finely diced
  • teaspoons mixed spice blend
  • 100 ml brandy
  • 50 g chopped toasted walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 75 g vegetarian and gluten-free suet

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

  • Gather all your ingredients on the countertop. Make sure you're equipped with a mixing bowl, a sturdy spoon, and a sharp knife for dicing the apple. Having everything ready will streamline the process. I often find that organization makes cooking so much more enjoyable.

Step 2: Mix the Fruits

  • In a large bowl, combine the raisins, currants, sultanas, and candied peel. Give it a good stir, allowing the fruits to mingle. This is your fruit base, which will give your mincemeat a delightful sweetness.

Step 3: Incorporate the Apple

  • Add in the finely diced apple to the fruit mixture. The apple adds texture and a slight tartness that balances the sweetness. Stir it well, ensuring that the apple’s juices start to blend with the other fruits.

Step 4: Add the Sugar and Spices

  • Now, sprinkle in the dark muscovado sugar, ground cinnamon, and mixed spice blend. This step is where the magic begins. The sugar will help draw out the moisture from the fruits, enhancing their flavors.

Step 5: Pour in the Liquids

  • It's time to pour in the brandy, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Make sure you mix everything thoroughly, letting the ingredients really combine. The alcohol will cook down nicely in your baked goods, adding depth that enhances the overall profile of your dish.

Step 6: Fold in the Nuts and Suet

  • Finally, add the chopped walnuts and vegetarian suet into the mix. These ingredients contribute a lovely texture and enhance the richness of the mincemeat. Combine everything gently – you want an even distribution without mashing the fruits.

Step 7: Let it Sit (If You Can)

  • For the best results, let your mincemeat sit for at least an hour before using it. This resting time allows the flavors to develop, making it even more delightful. But if you’re in a hurry, it’s still delicious right away!

Notes

Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality fruits and spices. The flavor shines through!
Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the sugar levels or spices based on your preference.
Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh is best! The zest really amps up the flavor.
Give It Time: If possible, let your mincemeat sit for a day to enhance the flavors.
Make it Your Own: Swap in your favorite nuts or add different spices like ginger or nutmeg for a unique twist.

Nutrition

Calories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 3gFat: 3.4gSaturated Fat: 0.4gSodium: 29mgFiber: 3gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 4mg
Keyword Quick Mincemeat Recipe
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