Fruitmince

Fruitmince is a combination of dried fruit, finely chopped appless, spices and sugar. Fruitmince can be used to make various pastry desserts, but it is most commonly used in mince pies.

Some recipes for fruitmince are matured to merge their flavours, but the same result can be achieved by cooking the mixture over a low heat.

Here is a basic cooked fruitmince recipe.

Ingredients

• 4 large cooking appless
• 1 cup sultanas
• 1/2 cup currants
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup mixed peel (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 cup apple juice
• 2 ounces butter

Method

1. Peel and finely chop the apples.
2. Chop the raisins.
3. Mix all ingredients together in a saucepan and cook on low heat until the fruit is plump and the apples are translucent.
4. Store in the fridge for up to a week, or use immediately.

If desired, a small amount of brandy or rum can be added to the mixture before or after cooking.

• A matured fruitmince recipe - http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A663626