Luxury Mincemeat Food

BOOZY MINCEMEAT

Steps:

• Wash the dried fruit thoroughly in a colander under the cold tap (you may find it easier to do this in batches) - whatever it says on the packet, washing the fruit is something I've (Ruth Watson) always done. Tip the fruit on to clean tea towels and dry by patting in the cloths.
• Put the dried fruit in a very large bowl with the apples, suet, almonds, sugars and spices. Grate the zest of the lemon into the bowl, then squeeze in the juice. Tip in the peel and the alcohol.
• Mix all the ingredients very thoroughly - it's easiest to do this with your (very clean) hands.
• Cover and leave to stand for 24 hours, asking the family to stop and give it a good stir with a spoon when they pass by.
• Pack the mincemeat into sterilised or dishwasher-clean jars (Kilner jars are ideal) and top with greaseproof paper jam covers. Seal the jars tightly and store in a cool place. The mincemeat will last from one year to the next, but's best used within 6 months.

LUXURY MINCEMEAT

Steps:

• Mix all the dried fruit, sugar, butter, spices, and apples in a bowl.
• Heat the cider in a large pan until it bubbles around the edge.
• Stir in the fruit mixture, lemon rind and juice; and syrup.
• Cover and simmer for 20 mins stirring occasionally.
• Remove the lid and continue to simmer until the juice is almost absorbed.
• Cool, stir in the brandy, Madeira (and nuts if using).

MINCEMEAT COOKIES

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Beat the butter with both types of sugar and the salt. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract and mincemeat. Stir in the flour and bicarbonate of soda, then chill for 20 mins.
• Scoop tablespoons of the mixture onto two lined baking sheets, leaving a bit of space between each so they can spread. Bake for 10-12 mins, or until the cookies are just firm around the edges but still soft in the middle - they will firm up as they cool. Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool.