Mince Pies

Ingredients

• 4 pounds lean boiled beef, chopped fine
• 8 pounds green tart apples, chopped
• 1 pound chopped suet
• 3 pounds raisins, seeded
• 2 pounds currants, picked over, washed, and dried
• ½ pound citron, cut up fine
• 1 pound brown sugar
• 1 quart cooking molasses
• 2 quarts sweet cider
• 1 pint boiled cider
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon mace
• 1 tablespoon allspice
• 4 tablespoons cinnamon
• 2 grated nutmegs
• 1 tablespoon cloves
• 1 pint good brandy
• 1 pint Madeira wine

Directions

1. Cook 4 pounds of lean beef in a kettle with enough water to cover it. Remove scum as it boils.

2. Add hot water as needed until the beef is tender. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Boil uncovered until the liquid reduces and the beef begins to fry in its own juices. Set aside to cool.

4. The next day, remove bones and gristle from the beef before chopping.

5. In a large bowl, mix the chopped beef with apples, suet, raisins, currants, citron, brown sugar, molasses, sweet cider, boiled cider, salt, pepper, mace, allspice, cinnamon, nutmegs, and cloves.

6. Warm the mixture on the stove until heated through, then remove from heat.

7. When nearly cool, stir in the brandy and Madeira wine.

8. Transfer to a crock, cover tightly, and store in a cold place.