Cherry Pear Mincemeat

Name: Cherry Pear Mincemeat
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 40 min
Total time: 3 h
Yield: about 3 quarts.
Ingredients: 6 cups pitted tart red cherries; 6 cups ripe pears, coarsely chopped; 2 pounds raisins; 1 medium lemon, juiced; 1 medium orange, juiced; Grated peel of lemon; Grated peel of orange; 5 cups sugar; 3/4 cup cider vinegar; 3/4 cup apple juice; 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg; 2 teaspoons ground allspice; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground cloves

Subscriber Brenda Wood, Egbert, Ontario, says that her favorite cherry recipe (below) can be prepared during cherry season, then frozen for later use in pies, tarts and cookies. She even serves it as ice cream topping!

Ingredients

6 cups pitted tart red cherries
6 cups ripe pears, coarsely chopped
2 pounds raisins
1 medium lemon, juiced
1 medium orange, juiced
Grated peel of lemon
Grated peel of orange
5 cups sugar
3/4 cup cider vinegar
3/4 cup apple juice
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons ground allspice
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions

In a large kettle, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until mixture is thickened, about 2-1/2 hours. Stir frequently while simmering. Chill.

Originally published as Cherry Pear Mincemeat in Country Woman March/April 1992