Christmas Baking - Part 1 (Mincemeat and Fudge Peppermint Balls)

This weekend was an adventure in Christmas baking. I had a few failures with new recipes that didn't work out, but I also made mincemeat for the very first time! My mom used to make it every year in the fall with fresh green tomatoes from the garden, but I've never been organized enough to remember to get the green tomatoes in the fall from the farmer's market, so I've missed out the last few years. This year my mother-in-law pulled some strings, and arranged to pick up green tomatoes at the Regina Farmer's Market this past weekend, so I could finally try my hand at it. It was absolutely delicious and the whole house smells like Christmas while it cooks!

Phyllis's Green Tomato Mincemeat

Ingredients
3 cups fresh green tomatoes, chopped
2 1/2 cups tart green apples, peeled and chopped
1 1/2 cups raisins
2 cups brown sugar
2/3 cup white vinegar
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp mace
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/3 cup butter

Method
Place all ingredients except for butter in a heavy sauce pan. Bring to a boil, then let simmer for 2-3 hours until ingredients have cooked down and no liquid is left. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and let cool.

Makes excellent filling for tarts and pies, or can be frozen in sterilized jars (or freezer bags). The spice intensity will increase when frozen, so be sure to use within a few months.

I made mincemeat tarts, but mincemeat is also delicious warm right from the stove top on vanilla ice cream.

I also made fudge peppermint balls this weekend. Another one of my mom's favourites and so easy to make.

Ingredients
Balls:
3/4 cup butter
4 squares melted unsweetened chocolate
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp peppermint extract
2 cups all-purpose flour

Chocolate Icing:
3 tbsp butter
3/4 cup  icing sugar
2 tbsp cocoa
1 tbsp milk

Method

Balls:

Cream butter, then add rest of ingredients. Mix well. Shape into balls, about 1 teaspoon for each ball. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350°F for 10 t0 12 minutes.  Cool.

Chocolate Icing:

Soften butter, add rest of ingredients and beat well.

Ice balls with a swirl of chocolate icing on top.