Katy's baked Mincemeat recipe that will make your home smell like Christmas

Baked Mincemeat recipe

What you need

1lb (454g) Raisins
12ozs (340g) Sultanas
8oz (225g) Candied peel (we used mixed peel)
8oz (225g) Butter
2lb (908g) Dark brown sugar
1lb (454g) Cooking Apple, peeled, cored and grated
4 dessert spoons of Mixed spice
1 dessert spoon  of Cinnamon
1 dessert spoon of Ground nutmeg
zest and juice of 1 orange and 1 lemon

6 Tablespoons of Brandy for end of cooking


How to do it

1. Mix all the ingredients except the brandy in a bowl and stir well
2. Pour mixture in a larger than needed oven proof dish or baking tin to allow for expansion
3. Bake for 3 hours at 110C/225F/gas 1/2 
4. Stir occasionally while baking
5. Allow to cool and splash with the 6 tablespoons of brandy
6. Use mixture with a nice sweet pastry recipe and watch them dissappear
7. Store any leftover mix in a sealed container for later use

Winter days are Here

Hello from Gougane Barra where we are very excited to be getting in touch with you in the run up to Christmas and to give you an update of life in the valley.The hotel is closed  for the winter and Gougane Barra is very quiet. We went for a walk on one of the trails in the forest park this morning and we didn’t meet one person during our outing. The wildlife are enjoying the quiet and are more visible this time of year. The hares were hopping about and small birds were busy foraging and singing, even the white tailed eagle was going about his business in the blue sky and yet it was quiet enough to hear a sheep bleat from the mountains.After that it was coffee and a busy office with guests planning their next visit, buying Canvasses of Gougane and booking lunch for when we are open in April… There is never a dull moment in Gougane Barra!

lovely days in Gougane Barra

Gougane Barra Hotel QR code

Thought for the weekend

Heaven


Your Hair is Golden on the Pillow
And peace is in your lovely face,
Outside the starry night is shining,
the yellow moon is bright with grace.

All the world is spinning gently,
Heaven is here and everywhere.
As I kiss you softly, softly,
I pray you sleep without a care.
                             Ivan Jones

AA Rosette award for culinary excellence 2010-2011

It is a great pleasure to be maintain this award with the AA hotels again for this season. Thanks to all our dedicated people who have helped us achieve this accolade again!!

Bridgestone 100 Best Places to Stay in Ireland 2011

We are Charmed and Delighted to be included in

'Bridgestone 100 Best Places to Stay in Ireland 2011'

This is our fourth year in succession being included in this acclaimed guide.

Quote;

'Neil and Katy’s GB Hotel is one of the nicest hotels in Ireland. If you thought that the sort of hotel where she cooks in the kitchen, and where he meets and greets the guests, had vanished under the tsunami of zombie hotels that now litter the country, then a trip to the lake of Gougane Barra will restore your soul, your sanity, and your faith in true Irish hospitality.'

see more at;

http://www.bestofbridgestone.com/recommendations/gougane-barra-hotel

The Bridgestone GuidesAll the best places to eat, shop and stay in Ireland. Perfect for all food lovers.