Grandma'S Mincemeat
Grandma's Mincemeat combines tender meats, tart fruits, and warm spices, creating a rich, flavorful filling perfect for pies or pastries, ideal for hearty holiday treats.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean meat ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped meat ⓘ
- 4 c. chopped apples ⓘ
- 2 c. currants ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped raisins ⓘ
- 1 c. whole raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped citron ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped orange peel ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped lemon peel ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped suet ⓘ
- juice of 1 orange ⓘ
- juice of 1/2 lemon ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. meat stock ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. cider ⓘ
- 1/4 c. vinegar
- 1/2 c. molasses ⓘ
- 2 c. sugar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. nutmeg ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil the lean meat and allow it to cool in the liquor.
- Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Simmer the mixture slowly for one hour to develop flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of lean meat and ground beef. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the meat with diced mushrooms or lentils. Adjust the sweetness by using less sugar or adding a dash of maple syrup. Ensure all ingredients are well-mixed for even distribution of flavors, as this will enhance the overall taste of your mincemeat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this mincemeat as a filling in pies or as a savory side with roasted meats. It pairs beautifully with Tangy Cucumber Salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider serving it alongside American recipes like cornbread or biscuits to balance the rich flavors. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of Raspberry Sorbet can add a lovely finishing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm the mincemeat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. It can also be frozen for up to three months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Mincemeat contains roughly 3546 calories, with 125g protein, 470g carbohydrates, and 178g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (519% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (338% of the Daily Value), and protein (250% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2279mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of fruit in this mincemeat recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the apples with pears or add dried cherries or figs for a unique twist. Just make sure to maintain the overall balance of sweetness and acidity to keep the flavor profile intact.
How long can I store homemade mincemeat?
Homemade mincemeat can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When stored properly in an airtight container, it can last up to three months in the freezer.
What can I serve with mincemeat besides pie?
In addition to pie, mincemeat can be used as a filling in pastries or served as a condiment with meats. It also works well in savory dishes like Barbecue Deer Meat or as a topping for oatmeal or pancakes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).