This pumpkin mincemeat is perfect for Christmas and mince pies. I've added pumpkin along with the dried fruit and alcohol to make a wonderful spiced treat.
Mincemeat is not actually meat! It's a mix of dried fruit and alcohol (usually rum, brandy or whiskey), that's popular in baked goods in Britain at Christmas.
It's the filling for mince pies.
Mincemeat is so simple to make that it's really a crime how often I leave it to others. Thanks Mum and the good ladies of the local Women's Institute!
However, this year I got back into the mincemeat saddle and started to think vegetables for my mince pies this year.
Carrot? Maybe. Parsnip? Perhaps.
Sprouts? No chance.
Then, as I sat drinking a hot cup of spiced pumpkin cocktail (swoon), it dawned on me that pumpkin would be perfect with the dried fruit, spices and brandy.
You can use tinned or fresh pumpkin (simply cook it and puree), or else substitute it for squash.
Mincemeat makes a lovely gift at Christmas, so go wild with the pretty jars and ribbon.
You could also bake it into mince pies with spinach pastry or beetroot pastry to get a festive colour!
You can let this nice drunken mincemeat mature for two weeks before wowing guests with the pumpkin surprise.
But if you're a bit last minute (who, me?) don't worry if you need to use it right away - it's still lovely.
Get the recipe for Pumpkin Mincemeat
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Pumpkin Mincemeat
Ingredients
- 200 g raisins
- 200 g currants
- 200 g sultanas
- 200 g vegetarian suet or standard suet
- 150 g soft dark brown sugar
- 100 g candied mixed peel
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- zest and juice ½ a lemon
- 1 cooking apple peeled and grated
- 6 tablespoons pumpkin puree steam fresh pumpkin or squash and then puree, or else use tinned
- 100 ml brandy
Instructions
- Add all ingredients, except the brandy, to a bowl in the order listed and mix well between each addition. Stir in the brandy and mix well.
- Pour into sterilised jars (the easiest way is to run them through the dishwasher). Allow to mature for two weeks before using, stored in a cool dry place. Will keep for up to six months.
bakingaddict
This sounds absolutely divine with the pumpkin in it.Thanks for entering AlphaBakes.
Kate Veggie Desserts
Hi Emily, it does smell amazing (maybe that's the Brandy!). Thank you!
Emily @amummytoo
This looks wonderful. I can almost smell it just looking at the pics. I'm thinking of making some and giving it as Pre-Christmas gifts.
Thanks for linking up with #recipeoftheweek. I've Pinned, Stumbled and am about to Tweet this post and there's a new linky live at 8pm tonight as usual. Would love you to join in 🙂
Julie
I would never have thought of pumpkin but it works and is delicious.
Kate Veggie Desserts
Thanks, Julie. It is a tasty combination.
Otilia
What a loveble idea! You mince meat looks great! Pinned in my Christmas board on Pinterest!
Kate Veggie Desserts
Thanks, I've linked up!
otilia
thank you. have pinned to the #fridayfoodie and stumbled for you too x
Javelin Warrior
I love the sound of pumpkin as the binder for this mincemeat - it sounds wonderful and perfect for homemade gift-giving this season!
Kate Veggie Desserts
Thanks. It's like a Thanksgiving/Xmas mashup. x