Here is a recipe for an 'instant' mincemeat ideal for Christmas pies or Christmas cakes. This particular mincemeat only requires 3 or 4 days' refrigerator to mature before use. After maturing, it can be used immediately or it can be frozen for later use.

Ingredients:

675g cooking apples
450g seedless raisins
225g currants
150g sultanas
100g sour cherries, chopped
50g mixed peel, chopped
225g shredded suet
275g soft brown sugar
finely-grated zest of 1 lemon
juice of 1 lemon
finely-grated zest of 1 lime
juice of 1 lime
1 tsp mixed spice (pumpkin pie spice)
4 tbsp brandy

Method:

Peel, core and slice the apples. Place the apples in a pan and cook gently (without water), stirring constantly until they are reduced to a pulp.

Take off the heat and allow to cool then mix in the fruit and all the remaining ingredients. Place in a bowl, cover with clingfilm and set aside in the refrigerator to mature for between 3 and 4 days.

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