Posted: Sat Nov 05, 05 9:03 am Post subject: Mincemeat showdown
Well, not exactly. Both Northern Lad and Gil have provided excellent, simple articles on different ways to make mincemeat - one is a cooked version with suet, one is a no cook version without. Both would probably benefit from being made soon to store up for Christmas so get reading and get stirring!
I've got the stuff I need to make mine. The recipe I use is a mix of Gil's and Nothern Lads to be honest. It has suet in it but you just mix it together, and leave for 24 hours (stiring when ever you pass) then put in jars. The only problem I've had with mine is that if not kept in a cool place the apple has been known to ferment and 'bubble over' a sticky syrup, meaning cupboard shelf cleaning!
Tempted to give the boys' recipes a go - and I was thinking of making loads and putting some in Xmas hampers.
My mincemeat went wrong The suet melted and went kind of oatmeally.
So did mine last year. I want to try again so I am thinking of leaving the oven door ajar this time
Mine was from the stewed apple. It was my own stupid fault. If I'd put the suet in last it would have been fine
Northern_Lad
Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 14210 Location: Somewhere
Posted: Mon Nov 07, 05 9:29 am Post subject:
Fiddlesticks Julie wrote:
The only problem I've had with mine is that if not kept in a cool place the apple has been known to ferment and 'bubble over' a sticky syrup, meaning cupboard shelf cleaning!
That's why you cook it gently for a few hours - it stops it from fermenting so you can keep it for longer.
bernie-woman
Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 7824 Location: shropshire
Posted: Mon Nov 07, 05 9:45 am Post subject:
I haven't read the recipes posted - yet - but have always used Delias - never had any problems
Stewy
Joined: 17 Oct 2005 Posts: 1453 Location: Berkshire
Posted: Fri Nov 11, 05 12:49 pm Post subject:
Just a couple of questions, Will Coxs apples be alright or do I have to use a cooker? And what gas mark do I use to cook it?
Ta
Northern_Lad
Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 14210 Location: Somewhere
Posted: Fri Nov 11, 05 12:57 pm Post subject:
Stewy wrote:
Just a couple of questions, Will Coxs apples be alright or do I have to use a cooker? And what gas mark do I use to cook it?
Ta
Depends if you want some 'bite' in the mincemeat. If you don't mind, then use whatever apples you like; cookers just go down to mush and add to the 'sauce'.
No idea about gas mark. I uce 120 C, which I think is around 0.5
with the uncooked version it doesn't matter what kind of apple you use - I've done both. whatever is to hand without having to buy more specially. The citrus juice adds bite anyway.
uses for mincemeat, apart from mince pies :
one big mince tart
...or pie
you could make a sweet bread by putting thin layers of the mincemeat into the dough (sort of chelsea bun bread)
Stewy
Joined: 17 Oct 2005 Posts: 1453 Location: Berkshire
Posted: Sat Nov 12, 05 6:33 pm Post subject:
Smells of Christmas already folk's When I cook it for the 3 hours tomorrow do I just leave it or stir it now and again?
Thanks muchly
Give it the occasional stir to stop it sticking. I make mine without cooking, with suet in it. When you warm the mince pies, the suet melts.
Another use for extra mincemeat is mincemeat cake and for stuffing baked apples with a dollop of honey.
tigger
Joined: 13 Nov 2005 Posts: 725 Location: Bologna (Italy)
Posted: Sun Nov 13, 05 11:25 am Post subject:
thanks Gil, no suet in Italy so I've never been able to make mincemeat before!