Mince Pies

Ingredients

• 2 pounds lean fresh beef, boiled and chopped fine
• 1 pound beef suet, minced to powder
• 5 pounds apples, peeled and chopped
• 2 pounds raisins, seeded and chopped
• 1 pound sultana raisins, washed and picked over
• 2 pounds currants, washed and picked over
• ¾ cup coarse sea salt (formerly 'bay salt')
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• ½ cup butter
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 1 nutmeg, grated
• 2 tablespoons mace
• 1 tablespoon cloves
• 1 tablespoon allspice
• 1 tablespoon fine salt
• 2½ pounds brown sugar
• 1 quart brown sherry
• 1 pint brandy

Directions

1. Boil the beef until tender, then chop it finely when cooled.

2. Minced the beef suet until it resembles powder.

3. In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples, raisins, sultana raisins, and currants.

4. Add the minced beef and suet to the fruit mixture.

5. Stir in the coarse sea salt, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

6. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and gradually mix in the spices and brown sugar.

7. Combine the butter mixture with the fruit and meat mixture.

8. Pour in the brown sherry and brandy, mixing well.

9. Cover the mixture and store it; add more liquid if it dries out.