Did I mention that we have made our own mincemeat this year, for the first time? It smelled delicious and I can't wait to taste the mince pies when I make them! The mincemeat had a good healthy slug of brandy added which should help it's keeping qualities!

Sounds good RS, let us know how it turns out

I most certainly will, Horus. I was surprised at how easy it was! I'm not a lover of mince pies and Christmas pud but this mincemeat smells so delicious that I will have to try at least one. DIL and DH love them so......!

Can't say I'm a fan of mincement but it always used to smell wonderful when it was being made

Since I first saw this thread I keep thinking about helping my mother making this in a large cream-ware bowl. There was rationing so she adapted and saved what she could through the year. As she did a lot of bottling and dried fruit was in short supply I guess she used what she had, though my parents were TT it was delicious too.

After I got married I used to make my mincemeat and Christmas cake at the end of September well doused with Brandy. Sealed the mincemeat, but fed the cake Brandy every few weeks until the beginning of December. Gorgeous!

I haven't had a tipple for over 26 years but fortunately I can remember the taste.

Well done RS for making your own mincemeat.

I think we will stick with M & S luxury mince pies as usual. Although my wife is a very capable cook, she draws the line at things like preserves, chutneys, and mincemeat.

As I said Grandad, it's a first for us. Normally I would just buy them, and I have bought two boxes to contribute to my club Christmas lunch tomorrow, but hopefully mine this year will be extra special, made with rich shortcrust pastry and homemade mincemeat! M&S eat your heart out!

Just a footnote on the homemade mincemeat. They all went in the bin! Both being ill over Christmas, neither one of us ate anything and the family gave us a wide berth, fortunately, the poor old mince pies went green in the tins! Awwww!

Oh what a shame, still there is always next year

Never mind Ruby, at least you have kept some mincemeat for out of season pies...........I very much hope.