RUPERT’S ODD PARTY

“I’ve left my shopping list behind In that locked shop. Well, never mind.” This mincemeat makes a bit of a change to traditional versions. It can be kept for up to a year if sealed well and kept in the fridge, so it doesn’t have to be just for Christmas! Makes 4-6 jars.

INGREDIENTS

1.25kg caster sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon salt 3.75kg pears – peeled, cored and chopped 1 large orange – quartered with peel 1 lemon – quartered and pips removed 1 tart apple – peeled, cored and chopped 150g dried apricots, chopped 225ml white grape juice 225ml cider vinegar 425g sultanas 375g dried currants

Pear mincemeat METHOD

In a large pot, combine the sugar, cinnamon, allspice, cloves and salt. Mix well. Into the same pot, add the pear, orange, lemon, apple and apricot. Mash together.

Stir in the grape juice, vinegar, sultanas and currants. Bring to the boil over medium heat, stirring often. Simmer, uncovered, until thick.

Spoon into hot sterilised jars to within 5mm of the jar top.

Seal well and cool before storing in the refrigerator.

Cancer

June 22 – July 23

Beware of overextending yourself at work. Taking on too many assignments will result in embarrassing mistakes. If you’re overwhelmed, raise the red flag and ask your employer for help. It will show you can be trusted to do a good job.

0905 789 3704**

Leo

July 24 – Aug 23

Your health is undergoing improvement. Feeding your body fresh produce, lean protein and whole grains will make you strong and energetic. If you’ve had a setback, return to a sensible diet and sleep routine. Regular exercise will also help.

0905 789 3705**

Virgo

Aug 24 – Sep 23

Delegate chores to roommates, relatives and colleagues. If a relationship or job doesn’t serve you well, walk away. Focus on building a happy life, rather than brooding on the past. Seize the power of the present to escape pitfalls that have held you back.

0905 789 3706**

Capricorn

Dec 22 – Jan 20

You’re willing to explore new territory. It will be necessary to undergo a profound transformation to adjust to these surroundings. Draw on your tremendous willpower to achieve this goal. Adopting a more peaceful lifestyle will be empowering.

0905 789 3710**

Aquarius

Jan 21 – Feb 19

You’re filled with plans but aren’t sure how to carry them out. Instead of trying to do several things at once, focus on the goal that makes you most excited. After you realise this dream, you’ll quickly and easily move on to the next.

0905 789 3711**

Pisces

Feb 20 – Mar 20

An organisation needs to be modernised to survive. Replacing restrictive rules with more liberal ones will attract young members who will be the lifeblood of this group. Rather than being suspicious of newcomers, welcome them with open arms.

0905 789 3712**