Christmas Mincemeat - Without the Meat!

Description: A classic from Mrs Beeton's. This is the more usual recipe found in the UK. Because I prefer it, I leave out the suet - which makes it vegetarian - and add more brandy if it is too dry.

Ingredients:

• 200 g cut mixed peel
• 200 g seedless raisins
• 25 g preserved gingerroot
• 200 g cooking apples
• 200 g shredded suet
• 200 g sultanas
• 200 g currants
• 200 g soft brown sugar
• 50 g chopped blanched almonds
• 1 pinch mixed spice (ground ginger, ground cinnamon)
• 2 lemons, juice and zest of, grated
• 1 orange, juice and rind of
• 150 ml brandy or 150 ml rum

Steps:

1. Mince of chop finely the peel, raisins and ginger.
2. Peel, core and grate the apples.
3. Combine all the ingredients thoroughly in a large basin.
4. Leave, covered for 2 days in a cool place, stirring occasionally.
5. This prevents fermentation later.
6. Pot, cover and label.
7. Store in a cool dry place.