Step 1

For the mincemeat, both zestsand juices in a medium-size pan. Peel, quarter and core the apple, then coarsely grate, stirring itinto the juices as you grate to stop the apple from browning.

Step 2

Add the butter, rum, dried fruit, mixed peel and spices and cook over a low heat, stirring frequently, for about 1 hour until the apple has broken down, the dried fruit has plumped up and all the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 3

Stir in the sugar and set aside to cool, then stir in the chopped almonds. Spoon the mincemeat into sterilised jars (see Know-how), then press a waxed disc firmly onto the surface of the mixture and seal immediately. Store in the fridge until needed and use to make our spiced mincemeat cake.