Old Fashioned Homemade Mincemeat To Can
A rich, spiced homemade mincemeat with tender apples, raisins, and aromatic spices, perfect for pies and holiday desserts, offering a traditional and flavorful treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the ground green tomatoes in a sieve to remove excess juice.
- In a large pot, boil brown sugar, water, vinegar, salt, and pepper, stirring often for 2 hours.
- Add ground beef, ground sausage, cloves, raisins, allspice, sliced chopped apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the boiling mixture.
- Boil all ingredients together for an additional 30 minutes.
- Transfer the hot mincemeat into quart jars and seal with two-piece lids.
- Place the jars in a canner and bring to a full boil to process.
- Remove the jars from the canner and allow to cool.
- When ready to use in pies, add 1½ cups water, ½ cup sugar, and more cinnamon to the mincemeat.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of brandy or bourbon to the mincemeat during boiling. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef and sausage with lentils or mushrooms. Adjust the sweetness by reducing sugar or using a sugar substitute. This mincemeat can also be used in layers for a savory twist in dishes like Hamburger-Pasta Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This mincemeat is perfect for traditional pies, but it also pairs well with savory dishes like Mock Wiener Burgers for a unique twist. Serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert, or enjoy it as a topping on toast for breakfast. It can also be used as a filling for pastries or served alongside cheeses.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover mincemeat in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze in portions. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture. It can also be microwaved in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Homemade Mincemeat To Can contains roughly 2714 calories, with 86g protein, 563g carbohydrates, and 93g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (572% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (489% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1640mg per serving (71% 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 other fruits besides apples in the mincemeat?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or dried cranberries to add different flavors and textures. Just ensure that the total volume of fruit remains similar to maintain the balance of ingredients.
How long can I store the canned mincemeat?
Properly canned mincemeat can last for up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place. Always check for signs of spoilage before using, such as bulging lids or unusual odors.
Is it necessary to process the jars in a canner?
Yes, processing in a canner is crucial to ensure the mincemeat is safe for long-term storage by eliminating bacteria. Skipping this step could lead to spoilage or foodborne illness.
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).