Nip'S Mincemeat
Nip's Mincemeat is a rich, spiced fruit and meat preserve with deep flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, perfect for festive pies and winter treats.
Ingredients
- 2 qt ground meat ⓘ
- 2 qt juice from meat ⓘ
- 4 qt ground apples ⓘ
- 1 b ground suet ⓘ
- 1 qt molasses ⓘ
- 3 to 4 cups brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 2 lemons (juice and ground rind) ⓘ
- 2 oranges (juice and ground rind) ⓘ
- 1 lb raisins ⓘ
- 1 lb currants
- citron ⓘ
- 5 tsp cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 tsp nutmeg ⓘ
- 4 tsp ground cloves ⓘ
Instructions
- First, shoot your deer and boil down the neck until reasonably tender.
- Pick the meat from the bones and put it through a food processor or grinder.
- Combine 2 quarts of ground meat and 2 quarts of meat juices in a large pot.
- Add the remaining ingredients: ground apples, ground suet, molasses, brown sugar, salt, pepper, lemon juice and rind, orange juice and rind, raisins, currants, citron, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves.
- Simmer the mixture for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Pack the mincemeat into quart jars and can in a pressure canner at 10 pounds pressure for 20 minutes, or freeze as desired.
- Yields approximately 7 to 8 quarts.
Tips & Substitutions
For an even richer flavor, consider using a mix of meats such as beef and venison. If you don't have ground suet, you can substitute with unsalted butter or coconut oil, though the texture may vary. Ensure to finely ground the apples to maintain a harmonious blend. Simmering longer can deepen the flavors, but stir frequently to avoid sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Nip's Mincemeat warm or at room temperature as a unique filling for pies or pastries. It pairs beautifully with Grandma Belle's Raspberry Tarts for dessert, or can be enjoyed as a savory accompaniment to roasted meats. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or on a cheese platter for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover mincemeat in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it in portioned containers or freezer bags. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nip'S Mincemeat contains roughly 3709 calories, with 109g protein, 283g carbohydrates, and 248g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (250% of the Daily Value), protein (219% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (197% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1007mg per serving (44% 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 the mincemeat?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other dried fruits such as apricots or figs. Adjust the quantity based on your preference, but ensure to maintain a balance of sweetness and acidity for the best flavor.
How long does the mincemeat last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored, Nip's Mincemeat can last for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Make sure it's in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and flavors.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, for a vegan version, substitute ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms, and use coconut oil instead of suet. Adjust spices to enhance the flavor profile, and you can create a delicious vegan mincemeat that still delivers on taste.
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).