Cooking recipes

Every now and then, I get another comment or request on the post I did about Home and Freezer Digest back in November 2009.  Home and Freezer Digest was one of the few cooking magazines available in the early 1980s and I did have many copies and, indeed, had the binders for them as well.  However, pre-blog I gave them away to a charity shop keeping only the December 1988 copy and three of the special books that I purchased from them.



Only the 100 Best Apple Recipes seems to have a publication date, which was 1981, so Im assuming that, as it was 75p, it came first, followed by Christmas from the Freezer at £1 and finally, at the huge price of £1.95, The Complete Freezeaway Christmas Cookbook.

Occasionally I do still cook from these books and have some real favourites in the Apple book.  It seems that I am not the only one with affection for these magazines as, every now and then, I get another comment on the 2009 post from someone who used to collect the magazines, seeking a particular recipe.  This month I had a request for Princess Pudding, sadly I was unable to help, but yesterday I had a request from Clare in Canada, for the mincemeat recipe from Christmas from the Freezer and I am pleased to be able to oblige:

Mincemeat

Makes about 5lb (2.25kg)

1 1/2 lb (675g cooking apples
1lb (450g) seedless raisins
8oz (225g) currants
6oz (150g) sultanas
2oz (50g) mixed peel, chopped
8oz (225g) shredded suet
10oz (275g) soft brown sugar
1 lemon, grated rind and juice
1/2 tsp mixed spice
4 tbsp brandy

1. Peel, core and slice apples.  Cook genlty without water, stirring to pulp them.  Cool.
2. Add dried fruits to all other ingredients, then stir in apple.  Mix well.
3. Put into rigid containers. Keep 3-4 days in fridge to mature.

To serve now: as required
To freeze: seal and label.  Use within 3 months.
To serve from freezer: thaw overnight at room temperature.

Anyone who is seeking copies of Home and Freezer Digest would be advised to have a look on Ebay as there always seem to be a few copies of both the magazines and the little books available at pretty reasonable prices.