Magazine


Cook it yourself!

by Angela Kelly
1/11/2006

SAVE a fortune and involve the whole family in the fun of making many of your own special Christmas dishes this year.

Masterchef Tom Bridge advises Metro News readers that planning is the key to festive parties and meals, including deciding whether it's a five-course meal or sausage rolls and mince pies.

Music and entertainment, room layout and table items, drinks and decorations all come into the mix.

But the real key is deliciously different food and - he suggests - Tom's Traditional Cherry Mince Pies With Brandy And Almonds, served with brandy or rum butter, for one memorable, mouth-watering offering.

Tom says that you can make it a few weeks before Christmas. And, if you pop it into 1lb preserving jars and wrap some festive paper around the lid, it also makes a great gift for friends.

For the mince pies:

Ingredients

450g/1lb glace cherries, chopped

450g/1lb sultanas

450g/1lb raisins

450g/1lb currants

450g/1lb soft brown sugar

450g/1lb shredded beef suet

3 lemons, juice and zest

450g/1lb apples, peeled, cored and thinly diced

5ml/1 tsp ground ginger

5ml/1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 nutmeg freshly grated

225g/8oz chopped almonds

150g/5fl oz quality brandy

Method

Simply mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl and let it stand for four hours, mix again and leave for a further two hours.

Place the mincemeat into eight jars, adding a further two tbsps of brandy after a few weeks if you're making it in advance.

Cover the top with greaseproof paper, place the top on the jar and keep until required. This should keep for up to three years and will mature over that period.

Use for filling shortcrust pastry shapes, and serve with brandy or rum butter.

For the brandy or rum butter:

Ingredients

225g/8oz unsalted butter

225g/8oz caster sugar

60ml/4 tbsp brandy or dark rum

Method

Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy and light.

Add the brandy or rum, cream again and place into an airtight container, topped with greaseproof paper.

Place the lid on and leave in the fridge until required.


Have your say
 
Have your say Got an opinion you want to share?
Register now and have your comments heard.

Register now


 
Personal Finance
 

Balance Transfer
Card BT Fee
Virgin Credit Card 2.98%
MBNA Platinum 2.9%
Customers with a 'good' credit profile
Company Typical APR
Platinum Exclusive Loan 7.8%
AA 7.9%
Sainsbury's Personal Loan 8.2%
Alliance & Leicester 8.7%
Lloyds TSB 8.9%
Abbey Personal Loan 8.9%
HASH(0x2af1427c7a50)
Provider AER*
ICICI BANK
HiSAVE Savings Account 		3.55%
FIRST DIRECT
Everyday e-Saver 		1.75%
SAINSBURYS FINANCE
Internet Saver 		2.25%
Fees may apply