The summer holidays might be over for another year and everyone is going back to work- but that doesn’t mean that the sun isn’t still shining and summer treats are needed for warm summer afternoon! My lovely friend Laura from The Velvet Doe has the most delicious recipe for fruit mince - summer and fruit mince tarts just work so perfectly and are a firm staple in our home over the holiday season! I couldn’t think of anything more wonderful than making a batch of The Velvet Doe’s Homemade Fruit Mince to have have on hand for emergency fruit mince tarts, or simply spooning it generously over vanilla ice cream for the ultimate summer treat. x
Click read more for the recipe.

The Velvet Doe’s Homemade Fruit Mince

450g granny smith apples
225g butter
340g raisins
340g sultanas
340g golden sultanas {If you can't find golden sultanas go with more regular ones}
350g dark brown sugar
2 oranges
2 lemons
50g slivered almonds
4 tsp mixed spice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
6 tbsp brandy
Core and chop the apples but don’t peel them, then weigh out the 450g. Cube the butter.Weigh out the raisins, sultanas, golden sultanas, sugar and spices into a big roasting tray. Add the apples, almonds and butter. Zest and juice the oranges and lemons and add that on top. Mix well. Cover with foil and leave overnight to steep. Stir occasionally.

The next day, preheat the oven to 120C/225F. Give the mince a good stir then put the foil-covered tray into the oven for 2 hours. Take out, stir and leave to cool. It will look fatty but don’t worry. As it cools, try to stir it every now and again. When cool, stir in the brandy and jar.