Christmas treats

Mincemeat for mince pie haters.

I'm sick of people telling me they don't like mince pies. What they actually mean is they don't like cheap, dry pastry cases filled with bitter chunks of candied peel, cheap harsh brandy and currants with pips that get stuck between your teeth. If people were offered REAL mince pies, with short, buttery pastry and rich, juicy fruit NO-ONE would claim to dislike one of the season's greatest traditions.

So  here we are, folks,  my recipe for the most delicious mincemeat you're ever likely to taste.

500g sultanas

350g dates, stoned and chopped

200g dried cranberries

2 apples,  peeled and coursely grated

75g soft brown sugar

200g  beef or vegetable  suet

2 tbs ground cinnamon

1tbs mixed spice

100ml  orange juice

100ml spiced rum

zest of 3 clementines or a large orange

Start by putting the dried fruits in a bowl or container and pour over the juice  and rum. Add the sugar, spices and zest and give it a good ol' mix. Leave to steep for a day or two, until the liquid is absorbed and the fruit looks plump and juicy. Then add the remaining ingredients and stir well. You can either keep  it in the fridge for a few weeks, or stick it in sterilized jars, with  another teaspoon of rum on top and save it for next christmas (if  you have that much  willpower)