Absolutely! 🎄 Let’s dive into the delightful world of Homemade Mincemeat, a cherished recipe perfect for those cozy Christmas mince pies or as a flavorful addition to your apple pie fillings. 🥧 This recipe, straight from the trusted hands of Delia Smith, has been a staple for many, with its ability to keep for up to 6 months, making it not just a festive treat but also a thoughtful gift for loved ones. 🎁
Homemade Mincemeat Recipe
Preparation Time: 12 hours
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 15 hours
Yield: Approximately 6 pounds
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cooking apple |
| 8 | Suet |
| 12 | Raisins |
| 8 | Sultanas |
| 8 | Currants |
| 8 | Dark brown sugar |
| 12 | Oranges, juice and zest of |
| 2 | Lemons, juice and zest of |
| 2 | Mixed spice |
| 2 | Pumpkin pie spice |
| 4 | Ground cinnamon |
| 1/2 | Nutmeg |
| 1 | Brandy |
Instructions:
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Mix Ingredients: In a large ovenproof glass or ceramic bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the brandy. 🍎🍊
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Cover and Rest: Cover the bowl with a cloth and let it rest for a glorious 12 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and develop. 🕰️
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Preheat Oven: When the anticipation is at its peak, preheat your oven to a cozy 225 degrees Fahrenheit (107 degrees Celsius). 🔥
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Oven-Bake: Place the bowl lovingly in the preheated oven, where it will spend the next 3 hours simmering and infusing your kitchen with the most tantalizing scents of the season. 🌟
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Cool and Infuse: Once the time has passed and your mincemeat is richly baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. 🍂
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Add Brandy: Stir in the luxurious touch of brandy, elevating your mincemeat to new heights of indulgence. 🥃
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Jar and Seal: Spoon this delectable concoction into clean, sterilized jars, filling them with the warmth and magic of the holiday season. 🎁
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Seal and Label: Cover each jar with waxed discs, sealing them with a promise of delightful moments to come. 🎀
This homemade mincemeat is not just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a memory in the making, and a gift of love from your kitchen to the hearts of those you share it with. 💖 Whether it’s nestled within buttery pastry for those iconic Christmas pies or swirled into a luscious apple pie, its sweet, spiced notes will surely become a treasured part of your holiday repertoire. 🌟
So, gather your ingredients, set aside a bit of time for the magic to happen, and let this Homemade Mincemeat weave its enchantment into your festive season and beyond. ✨ Enjoy the warmth, the laughter, and the joy that each spoonful brings. 🥧 Happy baking, happy holidays, and may your home be filled with the sweetest scents of the season! 🎄🌟
