Mince Pies, Richer

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh beef, chopped very fine
• 1 pound tongue, chopped very fine
• ½ pound salt pork, scalded and chopped very fine
• 1 pound large raisins, seeded
• 1 pound Sultana raisins
• 1 pound currants
• ¾ pound 'A' sugar
• ¾ pound granulated sugar caramel
• 1 pint rich stock
• 1 pint boiled cider
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon cloves
• 1 teaspoon mace
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ pound citron, shredded
• 2½ cups chopped raw apples
• Grated rind and juice of 1 lemon
• Rose water (optional)
• Brandy (for topping)

Directions

1. In a large pot, combine beef, tongue, salt pork, raisins, Sultana raisins, currants, sugars, stock, and cider.

2. Simmer until well blended.

3. Add salt, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, mace, nutmeg, and shredded citron.

4. Cool the mixture and taste; adjust seasoning if desired.

5. Pack into glass jars, pouring 2 tablespoons of brandy on top of each jar.

6. When ready to use, mix 2½ cups of chopped raw apples into each cup of the mince.

7. Partly cook the apple mixture and fill the pies while hot, adding lemon juice and grated rind, and rose water if desired.