It's the time of year when Lady Magnon assembles all the ingredients for her Magnificent Mincemeat.
All sorts of different dried fruits, candied peels (no green bits, thank you), suet, apples, citrus fruits, dark brown sugar, and armagnac, are all being bought and stored, ready for the big moment.
The biggest mixing bowl has made its appearance, and the special extra-large wooden spoon has been found and washed.
I try to make a point of being absent when the process begins. Lady M doesn't appreciate an audience (or even helpful advice from onlookers).
Here is what she ended-up with. I had a stir (clockwise only) and a wish.
I can't wait for that first Mince Pie; I'll have to start thinking what I'll wish for next.
WOW! Yummy! I love dried fruits. It taste good when we join and eat all the dried fruits:)
ReplyDeleteChristmas Mince Pies are wonderful; probably my favourite seasonal food.
DeleteIncredible. I love homemade mincemeat. My fire d males some each year and she puts in a bit of marzipan in each mince pie. Tastes Amazing!
ReplyDeleteI'll tell Lady M; I'm sure she'll try it.
DeleteOh My Goodness that sounds so lovely.
Deletecheers, parsnip
Nothing like a good home made mince pie, which are usually superior to even the most expensive store bought pies.
ReplyDeleteThey are one of the real treats of Christmas; not to be eaten at any other time of year. I expect our first one's will appear round about the 20th Dec.
DeleteBack in her day my Nanna used a well washed bucket as The Big Bowl. Took a bit of extra clockwise stirring to get the bottom corners into the mix but the end result was always good.
ReplyDeleteWhen we had the Christmas puddings the silver 3ds were always well distributed for us kids and Grandad usually found a white £5 note in his!
I like the sound of your Grandmother; resourceful. I've never heard of a white fiver in a pud'. In our house it was always just the silver 3d pieces (which I still have).
DeleteHubby will start making mince pies in December, we can't wait. They are in the shops but we are trying to eat in season, so we wait....
ReplyDeleteIf they were in the shops here, I'd be tempted to eat them all year long.
DeleteWhat light relief to find a post about mincemeat making.
ReplyDeleteYou can depend on me Rachel.
DeleteIt would seem that way at the moment.
DeleteI found some homemade mincemeat at the back of the freezer not long ago. I'll retrieve it and revive it with whisky and try some tarts. Alas no one likes them here except me. Last year I bought some from the Athens Xmas bazaar. Very expensive, something like 10 euros for six.
ReplyDeleteXmas is slowly making its appearance, though not on this island yet
Christmas stuff is appearing here too; I try to look elsewhere. Have your family actually tasted mince pies? I'm very surprised that anyone would dislike them.
Delete'Did you know': Every year when a Christmas pudding is made in the royal household, a small amount of last year's mix is put into this year's? They have been doing this since the reign of Queen Victoria, so each pudding contains homeopathic quantities of the pudding which she stirred herself all those years ago.
ReplyDeleteA wee bit of Streptococcus works wonders for all. I should begin a tradition at Magnon Palace.
DeleteThe pub where I had lunch yesterday had all the decorations up. Chrismas tree
ReplyDeletewinking with lights - the lot. I will allow mincemeat as it needs to mature - but that's all. Far too early for the rest.
My supermarket here has it's huge green spiders hanging from its ceilings. I presume this has something to do with the festive season, although I'm not sure what.
DeleteI think we can all guess what that wish was....
ReplyDeleteYes, but she refused!
DeleteLooks good but I still cannot believe that old wives tale is still around about only stirring clockwise. As a child, when she told me, I asked why it couldn’t be stirred counter clockwise. The response was, well Jean, it will unstir the batter. Good gosh. I am not making any this year.
ReplyDeleteWe only do it because we're petrified that devils will come if we don't. We would also stir in a Rabbit's foot if required.
DeleteBahaha
DeleteI was thinking that your wish had the word container in it somewhere and a few swear words but we mustn't discuss it or it won't come true.
ReplyDeleteLady M's mincemeat sounds delightful ...... will any little Magnons be there at Christmas this year ? XXXX
No mini-Magnons this year sadly (unless we are surprised again). Otherwise it'll be Christmas by Skype.
DeleteDo you freeze it or does it keep okay in jars?
ReplyDeleteNo, it goes into jars, and will last for ages; but not in this house. I wouldn't be surprised if she has to make a second load.
DeleteLovely post today.
ReplyDeleteThe little bit of early Holiday preparation is making me happy. Plane tickets, food, checking out the outdoor lights and my Christmas card that needs to be started.
cheers, parsnip
cheers, parsnip
I haven't heard the words 'Christmas Cake' yet, but I quite expect that'll be next.
DeleteI have to google again those mince pies, sounds so good.
ReplyDeleteIf you like dried fruits and Brandy, you'll like these!
DeleteI can smell it.
ReplyDeleteIt's the smell of Christmas; along with roasting Turkey.
Delete