On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me….. not the puppies that I was hinting at last week. I have been told that they are not part of my present that is currently hidden in the attic. I am afraid of the attic therefore he knows it is safe up there!
However, on the first Bake of Christmas, and the 11 that will follow between now and the big day, Graciesbakes will bring to you some Christmas treats. Some will need baking, some will need putting together, and some will need a little gentle cooking.
The first Bake of Christmas, is just that. Something that needs a little cooking.
Here’s a little question for you. What do you get if you take these ingredients below, and add a couple more like apple juice, glacé cherries, and blanched almonds?
You get mince meat! For mince pies. It is the trusty recipe from Nigella’s How to Be A Domestic Goddess and I have made one particular change which sweetens it. I use apple juice instead of the dry cider that the recipe calls for. If you have the time, press your own juice which will make it taste all the better!
To make the mincemeat, you will need;
250g soft, dark sugar, 250ml apple juice (or dry cider if you wish), 1kg cooking apples cored, peeled and chopped, 1/2 teaspoon mixed spice, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 250g currants, 250g raisins, 75g glacé cherries roughly chopped, 75g blanched almonds, finely chopped, rind and juice of 1/2 a lemon, 90ml (6 tbsp) brandy or rum (optional).
Dissolve the sugar and the apple juice in a large, heavy based saucepan, over a gentle heat. Roughly chop the apples, and add them to the saucepan along with all the other ingredients, except the brandy or rum. Simmer for 30 minutes or until everything becomes all pulpy. Take it off the head and when it has cooled a little, stir in the brandy or rum, if you are using it. I don’t, but if you want a little kick to your mince pies, go for it!
Spoon your mixture into sterilized jars and seal. You will have about 2kg.
This mincemeat is another gift idea. You could make a jar of it look pretty, and perhaps make up a portion of the pastry with simple instructions for the recipient, and make up a nice Christmas hamper. Other ideas will be coming up over the next bakes of Bakes of Christmas!
Enjoy,
Orlsxx
