Mince Pies

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds boiled and chopped meat
• 1 pound finely chopped beef suet
• 3 pounds chopped apples
• 1 pound chopped raisins
• ½ pound whole raisins
• 1½ pounds currants
• ½ pound citron
• 1 pound sugar
• 1 cup brandy
• 1 cup wine
• 1 cup strong coffee
• 1 pint boiled cider
• 1 teaspoon powdered mace
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon cloves
• 1 nutmeg, grated
• zest and juice of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup coarse sea salt (formerly 'bay salt')
• molasses (optional, to taste)

Directions

1. Boil and chop the meat.

2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped meat, beef suet, apples, raisins, currants, and citron.

3. Add sugar, brandy, wine, coffee, boiled cider, and all spices.

4. Mix in the lemon zest and juice, and salt.

5. If the mixture is not sweet enough, add molasses to moisten.

6. Store in a tightly covered jar in a very cold place.