Rich Mince Pies

Ingredients

• 4 pounds beef, boiled and chopped fine
• 3 pounds suet, chopped
• 2 pounds currants, washed
• 1 pound raisins
• peel of 2 lemons, grated
• juice of 2 lemons
• 1 tablespoon dried orange peel, pounded
• 1 ounce citron, sliced
• 12 large apples, chopped
• 3 pounds sugar
• ½ pint wine
• ½ pint brandy
• sweet cider to achieve proper thickness
• mace and nutmeg to taste

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped beef and suet.

2. Add the washed currants, raisins, grated lemon peel, lemon juice, pounded orange peel, sliced citron, and chopped apples.

3. Mix in the sugar, wine, brandy, and enough sweet cider to achieve a proper thickness.

4. Season with mace and nutmeg to taste.

5. If the cider is not sweet, add more sugar before baking.

6. Cut several slits in the top of each pie with scissors before baking.