Merry Christmas! Mincemeat began as a way to preserve food and always contained meat. Over time it became synonymous with Christmas. My recipe has no meat/suet in it making it healthier!
1 cup raisins
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup golden raisins
1 (16 ounce) can sour cherries
5 apples
2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 lemon (zest and juice)
1 orange (zest and juice)
1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup rum
Measure out and add the raisins to a mixing bowl
Next add the cranberries
Add the golden raisins
Add the cherries
You will need the apples next
Core and peel the apples
Grate the apples
Add the apples to the bowl
You need a lemon and an orange next
Zest the lemon, juice it and add them both to the mixture
Zest the orange, juice it and add them to the pot
Add the cloves
Add the nutmeg
Add the cinnamon
Add the allspice
Add the sugar and simmer for 30 minutes. You need to stir occasionally then remove it from the heat
Add the brandy and rum
Use right away or use a can in a water bath covered by 2 inches of water. Cover the pot and process for 30 minutes. It is best to let this age for a few months before you use it.