Mince Pies

Ingredients

• ½ cup beef suet, finely chopped
• ½ cup undercooked roast beef, free from skin and gristle, finely chopped
• ½ cup peeled and cored apples, finely chopped
• ½ cup cleaned currants
• ½ cup stoned and chopped plums (or ⅔ cup currants and ⅓ cup plums)
• ¼ cup moist sugar
• ¼ cup candied lemon peel, finely chopped
• ¼ cup candied orange peel, finely chopped
• ⅛ cup citron, finely chopped
• 1 lemon, grated zest
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
• ⅓ cup brandy
• ⅔ cup mountain or raisin wine
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Directions

1. Finely chop the suet, roast beef, apples, currants, and plums separately.

2. Mix the moist sugar, candied peels, and citron in a bowl.

3. Grate the lemon zest with a lump of sugar, then mix it with the rest.

4. Squeeze the lemon juice into the brandy and wine, then add the sugar mixture.

5. Combine the spices and salt in a separate bowl.

6. In a large bowl, mix the apples, plums, currants, candied peel, suet, and meat.

7. Gradually add the spice mixture and then the liquid, stirring well.

8. Cover the mixture tightly and store it in a cool place.

9. When ready to use, stir the mixture and add a spoonful or two of brandy or white wine.