After all, I told myself, “mincemeat” (the dried fruit and candied peel-filled preserve the pies contain) is neither minced nor a form of meat. But looking at the history of the word ...

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 ...