What is mincemeat filling made of?
Mincemeat is a mixture of chopped dried fruit, distilled spirits and spices, and sometimes beef suet, beef, or venison. Originally, mincemeat always contained meat. Many modern recipes contain beef suet, though vegetable shortening is sometimes used in its place.
Why did they stop putting meat in mince pies?
These festive treats have changed a lot over the course of their history, and what we have today is a modern mince pie. Then the recipe began to change to something a little sweeter and reduced in size from the large oblong shape once observed to smaller round pie shape during Victorian times and the meat was ditched.
How do you thicken mincemeat pie filling?
The most common thickeners used for pie fillings are flour, cornstarch and tapioca. These starches all work well to thicken pie filling juices but not of equal power. All thickeners have advantages and disadvantage. The trick is to use just the right amount to achieve the desired thickness after the pie is baked.
How long does homemade mincemeat keep?
If you store it in a cool place the mincemeat will last for up to 1 year.
What can I use instead of suet in mincemeat?
If you can’t find suet then we have found that grated vegetable shortening (such as Trex, Crisco or Copha) is a good substitute. To grate the shortening firstly freeze a stick or block of it until firm but not solid (this usually takes about 30 minutes).
Which country eats the most mince pies at Christmas time?
Scousers are estimated to munch an impressive 20 mince pies per person this Christmas, which is five more than the national average of 15, and almost twice as many as people in Southampton or Glasgow. In total, the UK will eat a staggering 781,177,935 mince pies in total this Christmas.
Does homemade mincemeat need to be refrigerated?
The high sugar content of mincemeat, enhanced by fat and perhaps alcohol, means mincemeat can be stored at a cool ambient temperature for many months. Once opened it will keep for even longer refrigerated.
Can you freeze mincemeat?
Mincemeat can be frozen for up to 4 months. You can also freeze mince pies, but freezing the mincemeat separately allows you to keep it for slightly longer and frees up space in the freezer.
How do you make minced meat pie?
Cut away any visible fat on the beef. Chop the beef into small bite-size pieces. Put the beef and apple cider into a large pot and bring to a boil. Simmer, covered, until the meat is tender, approximately 20 minutes. Add in the apples, sugar, dried fruit, raisins, suet, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice.
What is a good homemade pie recipe?
Directions Put flour into a mixing bowl with the butter. Using a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour. add salt and water. Mix until dough is formed. Roll out on flat surface. Bake at 375 degrees until brown. Prick crust prior to baking for non filled baked pies. Submit a Correction
Is mincemeat pie served hot or cold?
Pear and mincemeat pie This pear and mincemeat tart as a rich crumbly hazelnut and orange flavoured pastry which melts in the mouth. Serve hot or cold with whipped cream flavoured with a little cointreau for a special treat. It is also delicious with steaming hot custard.
What kind of meat is in a mincemeat pie?
Mince pie filled with mincemeat. Mincemeat is a mixture of chopped dried fruit, distilled spirits and spices, and sometimes beef suet, beef, or venison. Originally, mincemeat always contained meat. Many modern recipes contain beef suet, though vegetable shortening is sometimes used in its place.