Jewelled mincemeat

apricot apricots brandy cinnamon cooking apple cooking apples cranberries cranberry fruity light mince pie mincemeat mixed nut mixed nuts mixed spice orange oranges raisin raisins tropical fruit tropical fruits winter

N/A

Makes 1.8kg/4lb

Source

Ingredients

1kg cooking apple

1 tsp ground mixed spice

1 tsp ground cinnamon

350g light muscovado sugar

3 oranges , zested

1 lemon , zested and juiced

350g cranberry , fresh or frozen

100g raisin

300ml brandy , rum or sherry

100g dried apricot , chopped

175g mixed nut (such as brazils, pecans, almonds and hazelnuts), toasted and chopped

250g dried tropical fruit (such as pineapple, papaya, etc), chopped

Method

Peel, core and chop the apples, then put them in a large pan with the spices, sugar, citrus zests and juices. Bring to the boil then cover and simmer for about 10 mins until the apples start to soften. Add the cranberries, raisins and alcohol. Bringto the boil, stirring well, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 mins, uncovered, until thickened. Stir in the apricots, nuts and tropical fruits. Remove from the heat, leave to cool, then pack into sterilised jars. Seal, label and keep for up to one month in the fridge, or six months in the freezer.