A rich, fruity and boozy mincemeat which doesn't require to be stored for months or years for the flavours to mingle and mature (although stored properly in a sterilised jar, unopened, it can last for at least a year). The Instant Pot really does a superb job at producing perfect mincemeat. Your mince pies will be the talk of your workplace this year!
- 200 g dark muscovado sugar
- 2 large Bramley apples, peeled and finely diced (about 750g in weight before preparing)
- 50 g dried dates, chopped
- 700 g mixed dried fruit (I use a combination of sultanas, raisins, glacé cherries and dried cranberries)
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or more mixed spice if you prefer)
- 100 g soft butter
- 2 clementines, zest and juice (use 3 if they are particularly small)
- 150 ml Amaretto
-
Put everything apart from the clementine juice and Amaretto into the instant pot.
-
Measure the Amaretto into a measuring jug. Zest the clementines then juice them into the jug too. Top up to 250ml with water (or more Amaretto if you are feeling extravagant!). Pour into the fruit mix.
-
Now, this is important - take your time to stir everything together so you can't see any dry sugar remaining and the mixture is well combined. Put the lid on, close the valve, set to Manual High for 4 Minutes then NPR when finished.
-
Remove the lid when the pressure has released (about 10 minutes) then beat with a spoon to break up the apples. There will be a lot of juice so turn on Sauté mode and stir constantly for 5 minutes until the mincemeat has thickened up and is no longer runny. Ladle into hot sterilised jars and seal. Store in a cool dark cupboard when cold until needed and once opened, store in the refrigerator.
To sterilise glass jars:
Simply run them plus any rubber seals they may come with through the dishwasher on hot. Use whilst still warm and do not put your fingers inside the jars or you will desterilise them.
If you don't have a dishwasher, simply wash in very hot soapy water, rinse and dry in the oven on low (100-120˚C) until completely dry. Once again, use whilst still warm.