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A jar of mincemeat with a spoon in it.
Print Recipe
Traditional Mincemeat Recipe
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Soak
12 hrs
 

Craft my timeless Traditional Mincemeat Recipe to elevate your Christmas staple Mince Pies with rich Irish flavors and festive charm.

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Irish
Servings: 3 cups (900g)
Author: Gemma Stafford
Ingredients
  • 1 medium cooking apple, peeled and grated
  • 1 ½ cups (7 ½oz/213g) raisins
  • 1 ½ cups (7 ½oz/213g) currants
  • 1 ½ cups (7 ½oz/213g) sultanas
  • 1 cup (8oz/225g) candied mixed peel
  • 1 teaspoon mixed spice*
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 medium lemon zest and juice
  • 1 medium orange zest and juice
  • 1 cup (6oz/170g) muscovado sugar* (or dark brown sugar)
  • ⅔ cup (5oz/158ml) O'Driscolls Irish Whiskey (brandy or rum)
  • 1 stick (4oz/115g) butter
Instructions

  1. In a large bowl add all of the above ingredients. Cover and allow to soak and hydrate overnight or for a minimum of 12 hours.

  2. The next day add the contents of the bowl to a medium-sized saucepan. Simmer uncovered over medium/low heat for roughly 10-15 minutes until the liquid reduces and thickens slightly. This is a saucy recipe, don't cook off all of the liquid (see video for consistency).

  3. Store the mincemeat in sterilized jars in a cupboard for up to 1 year. Use in my Homemade Mince pies recipe. Stir well before use.

Watch the Recipe Video!

Recipe Notes

*Mixed spice: If you don't have mixed spice you can make your own or you can use pumpkin pie spice which is made up of similar spices. 

*Muscovado sugar: This gives the mincemeat a dark, rich treacle kind of flavor. If you don't have any you can substitute dark brown sugar.