Delia Smith Mincemeat recipe is a beloved classic holiday treat enjoyed for generations. This recipe features a delicious blend of tart apples, dried fruits, mixed spices, and brandy, resulting in a rich and aromatic flavor that’s sure to please. The combination of suet and candied peel adds an extra layer of texture and taste to the mincemeat.
What’s more, Delia’s recipe is simple to prepare and requires no specialized equipment, making it accessible for all to try at home. An added benefit is that the mincemeat can be stored for an extended period, making it an ideal choice for holiday gifts. The versatility of the mincemeat means it can be used in various recipes, including mince pies, tarts, and puddings.
Delia’s Mincemeat recipe is a must-try for anyone who enjoys traditional holiday flavors and wants to create homemade gifts for loved ones.
Delia Smith Mincemeat
Ingredients
- 450 g Bramley apples, chopped small
- 50 g whole almonds
- 4 teaspoons mixed ground spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 6 tablespoons brandy
- 225 g shredded suet
- 350 g raisins
- 225 g sultanas
- 225 g currants
- 225 g whole mixed candied
- 350 g soft dark brown sugar
- Grated zest and juice 2 oranges and 2 lemons
Procedure:
- To prepare the mixture, except for the brandy, combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and thoroughly stir and mix them together.
- After preparing the mixture, cover the bowl with a clean cloth and place it in a cool environment for at least 12 hours. This will allow the various flavors to combine and mature, resulting in a more developed taste.
- Subsequently, preheat the oven to a temperature of 120°C or gas mark ¼.
- Loosely cover the bowl with aluminum foil and then place it in the oven for a duration of 3 hours.
- Next, take out the bowl from the oven without being concerned about the appearance of the mincemeat, as it may seem to be swimming in fat. However, this is normal and the intended outcome.
- While the mixture is cooling, it is recommended to intermittently stir it. By doing so, the fat content will solidify and envelop the remaining ingredients instead of being dispersed in minuscule pieces.
- Once the mincemeat has sufficiently cooled, incorporate the brandy into it by stirring.
- Transfer the contents into sterilized jars.
- Upon completion of filling, it is recommended to cover the container with waxed discs and secure with a seal to ensure proper preservation.
- It is suitable for indefinite storage in a cool, dark cabinet, as I have personally preserved it for up to three years. However, for optimal quality, consuming it within one year of its preparation is recommended.
It is possible for individuals who follow a vegetarian diet to prepare this mincemeat recipe with contentment by utilizing vegetarian suet. Additionally, if the full quantity of the recipe is not desired, it is feasible to adjust the recipe accordingly by halving the ingredients.
Tips for the Perfect Delia Smith Mincemeat Recipe:
Use high-quality ingredients
Make sure to use the best ingredients, including fresh Bramley apples, good-quality dried fruit, and fresh citrus fruits.
Prepare the ingredients properly
It’s essential to chop the apples and candied peel finely and cut the almonds into slivers. This will ensure that the mincemeat is evenly mixed and has a consistent texture.
Allow the mixture to mature
After combining the ingredients, let the mixture sit in a cool place for at least 12 hours. This will allow the flavors to develop and mature, resulting in a richer taste.
Cook the mincemeat low and slow
Cook the mincemeat in a low-temperature oven for three hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the suet to melt and coat the other ingredients.
Stir intermittently
While the mincemeat is cooling, stir it occasionally to help the suet solidify and coat the fruit evenly.
Add the brandy at the end
Incorporate the brandy into the cooled mincemeat mixture by stirring it at the end. This will help to preserve the flavor of the alcohol and prevent it from evaporating during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few serving suggestions to enjoy this recipe:
Mince pies
The most popular and traditional use of mincemeat is in mince pies. Fill your homemade or store-bought pastry shells with this recipe and bake until golden brown. Serve warm with whipped cream or brandy butter.
Mincemeat tarts
Fill a larger pastry shell with the mincemeat recipe to create mincemeat tarts. These are perfect for a dessert table or as a sweet treat with tea.
Mincemeat crumble
Spread the mincemeat recipe in a baking dish and top it with a crumble mixture of flour, sugar, and butter. Serve with ice cream or custard after baking in the oven until golden brown.
Mincemeat cake
Incorporate the mincemeat recipe into a basic sponge cake recipe, and bake until light and fluffy. Serve with some whipped cream or powdered sugar on top.
Store the mincemeat correctly
Transfer the mincemeat to sterilized jars and seal them tightly. Store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year to allow the flavors to mature and develop fully.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Delia Smith Mincemeat recipe perfectly blends fruity sweetness and nutty flavors. This classic recipe has been tried and tested over time, resulting in a delicious mixture that can be used in various Christmas desserts. This recipe can be preserved indefinitely with the proper storage methods, making it a perfect treat to have on hand during the festive season. This recipe can also be made suitable for individuals who follow a vegetarian diet by using vegetarian suet. This recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a sweet and savory treat!
Source Link: https://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/books/delias-happy-christmas/home-made-christmas-mincemeat
