Can you jazz up store bought mincemeat? | Mumsnet (2024)

FAQs

Can you jazz up store bought mincemeat? | Mumsnet? ›

Yes - the Paul Hollywood mince pie

Store-bought mincemeat can contain alcohol, and if it doesn't, here's my tip: add some. It will kick your mince pies up to the next level. Rum or brandy go especially well with the other ingredients.

Heat a pile of mincemeat in a pan with sugar, orange and lemon juice, orange peel, half a cinnamon stick and brandy, wait for it to thicken and then stir in some whipping cream.

Mincemeat is traditionally cooked then cooled whilst stirring so it should be fine to eat "raw". A good one will have lashings of brandy in too so that should kill any nasties.

The high sugar content of mincemeat, enhanced by fat and perhaps alcohol, means mincemeat can be stored at a cool ambient temperature for many months. Once opened it will keep for even longer refrigerated.

While savoury mince is usually thickened with flour, the secret to our favourite savoury mince recipe is the addition of a couple of tablespoons of Gravox. This not only thickens the mixture but adds an extra beefy flavour.

Mincemeat over time does deepen in colour but the bitter taste may be that you pressed too hard when the citrus zests were grated!

Traditions, folklore and superstitions

Stirring the mincemeat was quite an event, and English tradition dictates that it should only be stirred clockwise. Stirring the mincemeat anti-clockwise would lead to bad luck and poor fortune in the coming 12 months.

Safety: Washing meat mince can actually spread bacteria present on the surface of the meat to other surfaces in your kitchen, such as countertops, utensils, and sinks. This can increase the risk of foodborne illness.

Place the minced meat in a bowl then add some milk and use your hands to combine together well. As you mix, you will feel the meat becoming softer and any lumps just melt away. To cook, just melt a little butter in a frying pan and add the meat and milk mixture.

How long does mincemeat last once opened? ›

Once opened, you must refrigerate and use within 3 to 4 days.

By the 18th century it was more likely to be tongue or even tripe, and in the 19th century it was minced beef. It was not until the late Victorian period and early 20th Century that mince pies dropped the meat and had all fruit fillings (albeit with suet). Even today there are traditions associated with mince pies.

Once opened keep refrigerated. Use within 6 weeks. Best Before End: See lid.

I always add extra cherries and brandy to mine. I warm it slightly in a pan and stir in the extra ingredients - then leave it to sit while I sort out the pastry.

If your ground beef has a funky odor and looks unappetizing, it's safe to say that it's gone bad and should be tossed out. However, if you need more confirmation, you can always check the meat's texture. Healthy ground beef will be smooth, and you should be able to make an indent when you push your finger into it.

Mincemeat genuinely is surprisingly quick and straightforward to make and makes a delightful homemade christmas present. Store in the fridge in tupperware or in sealed sterilised jars for a gift.

Raw meat is good for around 5 days in the fridge, while mince will only last from between 1-2 days. The freezer is a completely different story. Mince will keep for around 4 months, while whole cuts of beef or lamb can happily last for up to a year.

Ingredients: Water, Corn Syrup, Raisins, Dried Apples, Molasses, Corn Starch Modified, Distilled Vinegar, Dried Orange And Lemon Peel, Salt, Spices, Beef, Fruit Pectin, Natural Flavor.

For every 500g of ground beef, you can substitute 150g of dried, uncooked lentils. Grated or finely chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, garlic, onions, sweet or hot peppers, potatoes, squash, turnip, or courgettes. Cooked beans of any type, including baked beans.