Mincemeat often requires an overnight soak in the alcohol, often brandy, to plump up the dried fruit. Some recipes require a cooking stage, to heat the mincemeat through and help to seal the jars.

Keep traditions alive on Christmas with these pies filled with spiced fruit mince Ingredients 2 cups (300g) plain (all-purpose) flour 150 gms (4½ ounces) unsalted butter, chopped coarsely 1 tsp ...

You can always customise a jar of mincemeat by adding citrus zest (oranges and clementines work well), alcohol like brandy, sloe gin or ginger wine, or extra fresh fruit like finely chopped apple ...

Instead of individual fruit mince tarts, this large one is a nice way to serve a group of people for dessert or morning or afternoon tea. If you’re busy rushing around, you can substitute this ...