4 cooking apples
4 oz (100 g) butter, margarine or shredded suet
4 oz (100 g) of chopped mixed nuts
1/2 lb (200 g) of dried mixed fruit
2 – 3 rounded dessertspoons of soft brown sugar (or granulated)
8-10 drops almond essence
2 rounded teaspoons of mixed spice
Honey or golden syrup
- Chop up apples and place in saucepan with a spoonful of water and soft brown sugar
- Simmer until apple is soft and getting pulpy.
- Add berries, spice and almond essence
- Simmer on low for another 15 minutes stirring now and again.
- Switch off heat.
- Add your margarine/butter/suet and stir in until melted
- Add chopped nuts and dried fruit plus an optional dram of whisky or brandy.
- Stir
- Spoon into clean, sterilized jam jars
- Once filled drizzle the top with a little warm honey or golden syrup to seal before adding lid.
- Water bath process for 15 minutes.. or
- Store in the fridge or somewhere cool until needed when you make your mince pies at Christmas