All-Fruit Mincemeat

Serves

Packaged in a pretty jar with a fancy ribbon, mincemeat makes a perfect hostess gift for the holiday season. Traditionally, mincemeat includes beef or suet, but modern versions - like this all-fruit one - are often vegetarian. This easy recipe is based on dried fruits, apples, citrus, and brandy. The best mincemeat is aged and mellowed for a few weeks, so it's well worth planning ahead. The incredible flavor of homemade mincemeat is far superior to what's available in supermarkets; your holiday pies and treats will never taste better!

This recipe makes about 8 cups of mincemeat filling, enough for two 8- or 9-inch pies.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar (packed)
1 cup raisins
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup dried cranberries
8 ounces candied citron (optional)
3 large apples (peeled, cored, and corasely chopped)
2 oranges (grated zest and juice)
2 lemons (grated zest and juice)
1/3 cup brandy
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and stir to blend. Transfer the mincemeat to sterilized canning jars or plastic containers, cover, and refrigerate for at least one week, or up to 4 weeks before using, stirring occasionally.