Old Recipe For Excellent Mincemeat
A rich, traditional mincemeat with tender beef, aromatic spices, dried fruits, and citrus, perfect for festive pies and suitable for those who enjoy hearty, spiced fillings.
Ingredients
- 5 lb. neck of beef ⓘ
- 3 lb. beef suet ⓘ
- 4 lb. seeded raisins ⓘ
- 1 lb. citron or candied lemon and orange rind ⓘ
- 6 qt. peeled and quartered tart apples ⓘ
- 1 oz. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 oz. cloves
- 1 oz. ginger
- 1 oz. nutmeg ⓘ
- juice and grated rind of 1 or 2 lemons
- 1 qt. sweet cider or sour grape juice or 1 pt. good vinegar ⓘ
- a good sized lump of butter ⓘ
- sugar to taste (half white and half brown sugar)
Instructions
- Place 5 pounds of neck of beef in a pot and cover with water, then bring to a boil.
- Remove the scum that rises to the surface and add hot water as needed until the meat is tender.
- Remove the lid from the pot, salt, and simmer until almost dry, turning the meat occasionally in the liquid.
- Take the pot off the heat and let it stand overnight until thoroughly cold.
- Remove all bones, gristle, or stringy bits from the beef.
- Chop the beef very fine and mince 3 pounds of fresh beef suet.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of sweet cider and good vinegar. If you prefer a leaner version, substitute part of the beef suet with more neck of beef or use ground nuts for added texture. When chopping the beef and suet, use a food processor for a finer consistency. If you like, add a splash of brandy for a deeper flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the mincemeat as a filling for pies or tarts, or as a savory topping for crackers or toasted bread. It pairs beautifully with Steamy Onion Soup for a comforting meal. You can also enjoy it alongside a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover mincemeat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing it in portions. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method helps maintain its rich flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Recipe For Excellent Mincemeat contains roughly 5484 calories, with 63g protein, 662g carbohydrates, and 308g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (479% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (323% of the Daily Value), and iron (195% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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
What is the best way to serve mincemeat?
Mincemeat is traditionally served as a filling for pies, especially during the holiday season. However, it can also be enjoyed as a topping for toast or pancakes. For a twist, serve it alongside a cheese platter for a unique appetizer option, or mix it into yogurt for a sweet treat.
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).