I don't bother about water bath preservation, I work on the basis that if it's got enough rum in it, it'll keep just fine :D My recipe is basically sultanas (and/or raisins), currants, diced apple, melted fat, mixed spices, rum, dark sugar, and lemon juice. maybe some citrus zest.

I know historically it had meat in, but these days that variety is pretty much only for history nerds; you wouldn't put it in your normal mince pies and expect people not to pass comment. Sorry to hear it's going out of fashion!