Fruit mince can be bought in any supermarket, but it is so much nicer to use home made mince when making puddings, cakes, fruit mince tarts and the like. So here is a simple recipe for fruit mince – good to make it in or before October for best results at Christmas.

Oh, and jars of mince can themselves be a lovely Christmas gift!

Home made fruit mince

1/3 cup raisins, chopped finely
1/3 cup currants
1/3 cup sultanas
1 Tbs mixed peel, finely chopped
1/3 cup sugar
1 Tbs butter (melted)
1 Tbs brandy
1 apple, grated

Mix the fruit and peel, then add the remaining ingredients. Once thoroughly mixed, bottle and seal tightly.

* a small amount of grated ginger is a nice touch
* it is best to sterilise your bottles before adding the mince – as easy as heating them in the oven or in a pot of boiling water. Be careful not to burn yourself.

What is your favourite fruit mince treat? Myself, I find it hard to go past a fruit mince pie, yum!