Traditional British Boozy Mincemeat - Fat Free

Ingredients

• 3/4 pint of strong cider
• 1 lb soft dark brown sugar
• 4 lbs cooking apples, cored & chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground mixed spice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 pinch ground cloves
• 12 ounces currants
• 12 ounces raisins
• 8 ounces sultanas
• 4 ounces glace cherries, finely chopped
• 4 ounces candied peel
• 4 ounces almonds, finely chopped
• 1 orange, juice and zest of
• 1 lemon, juice and zest of
• 1/4 pint brandy or rum

Directions

1. 1

   Put the cider and sugar into a large saucepan & heat GENTLY until the sugar has completely dissolved.

2. 2

   Stir in the rest of the ingredients, except the brandy or rum and slowly bring to the boil - stirring ALL the time!

3. 3

   (Please note it is not necessary to peel the apples - just core and chop them up finely.).

4. 4

   Lower the heat and partially cover the saucepan and simmer gently for 30 to 45 minutes.

5. 5

   Remove from the heat and leave it to become completely cold.

6. 6

   Stir in the brandy or rum and then spoon into cold, sterilised jars, making sure that the mincemeat is packed down firmly with NO space or air bubbles.

7. 7

   Cover with waxed discs and TIGHT fitting lids.

8. 8

   N.B. Kilner jars can be used too - make sure that the rubber seals are new & not perished!

9. 9

   GIFT IDEAS:.

10. 10

    Design and hand write some labels - or use a Christmas template!

11. 11

    Make some paper or pretty material lid caps/covers. Secure with an elastic band & add a ribbon or raffia.

12. 12

    Hang a gift label and a scone, cookie or pie cutter from the ribbon - the same size as your mince pie tin shapes and you have a great home-made gift for someone!

13. 13

    I sometimes add a recipe card too, mince pies OR a mincemeat cake & mincemeat oat slices - look out for them as they are also posted on RecipeZaar too!