| Archive for The Potting Shed A forum to discuss Crafts, Cooking, Gardening, Countryside, Livestock and Pets |
| Libby |
Mincemeat anyoneIs anyone making mincemeat this year??The reason I ask is I am trying hard to revitalise our forum and I thought it would be a bit of a lark if those that did want to make mincemeat, all did it together! So we decide to make it choose a day evening or weekend to make it then post pics of process, good bits, bad bits, the lot a bit like when Lottie and I made marmalade and soap and candles not altogether of course 
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| Kathy |
I want to make mincemeat but haven't got around to it (amongst other things!). It needs to be sugar/gluten free and vegan for my family. Thanks Libby, sometimes we need a bit of a shove. 
My working hours are all over the place (weekends included) so I might not fit in with the exact day and time of other folks, will do it close as possible though. 
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| Libby |
and I think thats fine, to me thats what a forums all about, something like this gets us all planning to make it then we all make it sharing how it went then of course the all important, taste test!!
I used the last of my 'last years' mince meat about 1 month ago when I made a Mincemeat Tealoaf I can highly rcommend it, a taste of christmas without to much fruit! If you see what I mean! |
| Libby |
anyone else fancy a go, its fairly simple to do and taste far better than the bought stuff and you know what all the ingredients are! |
| Aqui |
If Kathy posts her recipe, I'll join in, time permitting! I love mince pies, but haven't had them in years. Saw some in the shops today and it scared me! |
| Libby |
Oh Goody! Thanks Aqui! |
| alison |
yes please.
I will need to be done before the 17th, as I am going away for my hols, and I think it needs to mature a bit longer than the time I am back from. |
| Jacky |
I still got lots of mincemeat left over from last year (I use the Delia Smith receipe). I made enough for at least 3 years however I would be up for making a christmas cake or two 
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| Libby |
We could do another thread for Crimbo cakes as well if people want? I have to make at least 2! |
| ros |
I'd like to join this one if I may
I've still got one jar from last year, which is a little unusual, but will need heaps more for cubs and scouts and work etc |
| Kathy |
I could do the Delia recipe, just replace the sugar.
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| Jacky |
Kathy, am I allowed to ask why you need to replace the sugar? I am assuming for diet/health reasons, just wondered, because when I am on a receipe hunt, and if it fits in with your requirements, I can let you know
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| Kathy |
The reasons for avoiding cane sugar are varied but E can't tolerate even the smallest amount so we'll use apple concentrate, honey and things like that.
Anything we make also needs to be gluten free and vegan! I'm a long time vegetarian anyway (30 yrs) so I don't consider "free from" cooking a problem, if you know what I mean, it's what I've always done. Recipes are always welcome Dragonfly, Greenlady (daughter) and I both love cooking.
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| Aqui |
Dragonfly - we're a no sugar family too. I get quite snappy when I eat sugar (I'm moody enough as it is) and T (hubby) finds not eating sugar helps to keep him calmer too.
Kathy - would you use same amount of apple as sugar or what? |
| Kathy |
I'm a "taste it and see" person Aqui. I know mincemeat takes time to mature but you'll get an idea by a taste. One method of sweetening is to boil up some dates in a little water then puree, there's so much fruit in mincemeat anyway it doesn't need much.
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| Kathy |
Just had a another look at Delia's recipe, I'll use about 100 grms of dates, pureed (as described above) and about 4 tblsp apple concentrate (depending on how sweet you like it.) |
| Aqui |
thanks kathy.
i've ordered the bramleys from mum (she has loads on their trees). is the brandy necessary? we don't have alcohol in the house. can i substitute that? |
| Kathy |
I don't use alcohol, just pop a bit of extra liquid in it to make the consistency.
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| Libby |
so are we going to have a period of time when we make or are we going to make anytime and post here? |
| Kathy |
I'll need to do mine in the evening sometime but most dates suit.
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| Aqui |
I won't get my apples for a couple of weeks... |
| Libby |
I think we need to be flexible here as people are busy with family commitments etc so no worries Aqui! |
| Libby |
should have the apples soon.
Iknow theres alot but this is for the cake as well!!! |
| Kathy |
I did wonder Libby!
I'm going to make my list this evening then shop tomorrow.
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| Flowerlady |
Libby your organisation is scary!! just love it! Wish I was too sometimes!!
Anyway I too have a batch from last year, I do this intentionally - and the brandy will mellow and preserve at the same time! So next years will be made this year, and if I start making it doubtless the family will ask me to bake it ... so I could be in for a massive mincepie run!!
As a matter of interest how many dozen do you guys make ?? ... my total is usally doubly scary!
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| Libby |
No dozens here, a 'gross' I should imagine is more like it!!!! |
| Kathy |
I only make a few Flowerlady, I've got the ingredients in by the way.
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| Aqui |
Kathy - what do you use instead of candied peel? |
| Kathy |
I don't use anything Aqui, just leave it out.
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| Aqui |
Oh - that's easy then! |
| Libby |
How about we do it between now and the end of October? |
| Aqui |
Sounds very do-able Libby. |
| Libby |
I've started mine, I'm following Fish's recipe becuase it is full of alcohol but with a few changes
1lb currants 1lb raisin and sultanas 1lb golden raisins (didn't add) 8oz candied peel 8oz dried cranberries 4oz chopped glacecherries 8 oz marzipan choped into little pieces. the peel of 4 tangerines pith removed,finely shreded zest of 2 large oranges 1 tablespoon mixed spice 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1lb dark brown sugar 6 tablespoons black treacle 3lb COLD stewed apple 4oz grated (or shreded ) suet 4tablespoons gravey browning (didn't add) 1 pint brandy 1/2 pint cider 4 oz rice flour (didn't add) cut up apples for stewing 
measured all the dried fruit 
chopped up the rind of the tangerines (flippin fiddly) 
added suet and rind etc 
added stewed apple 
then added alcohol with a swig for me
looks very runny, but have to leave it over night now. Smells glorious in our house, all christmassy
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| Kathy |
It looks excellent Libby, I think we (Greenlady) and I plan to do ours tomorrow.
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| Aqui |
cor - is it nearly christmas?
I've got all the ingredients now. Will make it on sunday hopefully. |
| Libby |
Nearly done and the mixture is all thick and glupy this morning and still smells divine
then popped into jars 
wonder how long I shall have to wait to test it out??? Crimbo cake next I think!
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| Aqui |
Libby - did you cook yours on the hob? if so, how long? My oven doesn't do the temperature on Delia's recipe and I can't be bothered to faff with an oven thermometer!
Mine's all mixed and soaking! smells yummy already. |
| Libby |
Mine was a no cook one Aqui, probably because it is so full of alcohol 
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| Flowerlady |
Interesting to see a recipe that is not minced!
Mine if from my grandmother, and whilst is is not cooked it is minced. I also make a batch each year for the following year. The brandy helps it all to mature beautifully!!
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| Aqui |
Mine's done. I cooked it on the lowest hob setting possible for about 90 minutes an stirred it a lot. Smells all Christmassy here now! not sure if i've got enough jars though. |
| Libby |
Its a lovely smell, I would make more if I hadn't already, maybe I shall make the Christmas cake? |
| Libby |
did you have enough jars Aqui? |
| Libby |
anyone else done theirs yet?? |
| Kathy |
I've done some but it didn't yield very much so I'll have to do more. It didn't help that I burnt it and had to avoid the bottom half of the pan. 
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| Libby |
Oh dear Kathy!! But it does look yummy! Bet it smelt good too! |
| Kathy |
Tastes pretty good so I've time to make more!
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| Aqui |
I don't know if any of you saw this, but I thought it was a good idea. Nigella Lawson (can't stand the woman - mum told me about it!) uses orange juice in her mince pie pastry instead of water.
Well I'm going to give it a try anyway! |
| Libby |
I'm not sure I ever added water? |
| alison |
How do you make your pastry then? |
| Libby |
what a wally I thought you meant water in the mince meat hopeless I am
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| alison |
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| Kathy |
I thought the same as well..................................
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| Aqui |
The first jar I opened hadn't sealed properly and had mould growing on the top. I looked ok further down, but I daren't risk it, so threw it.
2nd jar was fine. I can't believe I've never made mince pies before! They are yummy. |
| Libby |
and very more-ish |
| Aqui |
i've made it my mission to use up all of our mincemeat. i don't trust that it'll keep until next year. but i've got fed up with mince pies.
yesterday i made some mince pie cakes (fairy cakes with mincemeat mixed in) and today apple and mincemeat filo triangles. the cakes are lovely. t says they are too lovely! the triangles are for the freezer. |
| Libby |
we only have half a jar left 
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| alison |
If you make up a normal victoria sponge type cake you can add a jar of mincemeat, and cook in a fruit cake tin, and it comes out a treat. |
| Libby |
I know It tastes very expensive too
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| Kathy |
I've still got some mincemeat left, might make some pies today.....................
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| browneyes |
im going to try the vctoria sponge cake with mince meat tomorrow it sounds realy yummy |
| Libby |
it is Browneyes, very moreish too 
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| Aqui |
I'm gathering the ingredients to make 2009 mincemeat... Anyone else? |
| Lizzie |
Not me - I still have a jar of the stuff that my sister made last year! |
| Libby |
I should do, but not sure I will be organised enough haven't even made a Christmas Cake yet 
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