1 lb. seeded raisins
1 lb. currants
1/2 lb. finely ground beef suet. Suet is pure beef fat and can be obtained form the butcher at the market. (They will grind it on request.)
Rind of 2 lemons
1/2 lb. candied orange peel
1/2 lb. candied citron
3/4 lb. sugar
2 lbs. green apples peeled
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup brandy or rum
1 tablespoon salt
Wash currents and dry. Set aside. Put remaining ingredients - citron, orange peel, lemon rind, raisins, apples and suet - through a meat grinder using the course grinder blade. Add currents, brandy, spices and mix together.
Store in a tightly covered plastic container in the refrigerator (Do not freeze.) for up to one year. Makes 4 1/2 pints.
Note: Candied orange peel and citron can be found in most markets around Thanksgiving.
Pastry for Tarts
Pillsbury Pie Crusts, found in the dairy section of most grocery stores, work very well. Let the slices warm slightly to almost room temperature. Unwrap and place on a floured cutting board. For best results, roll the dough slightly thinner. Use a doughnut cutter with the center removed or a 2 1/2 inch round cookie cutter to cut the tart shells Gently press into 1 1/2 inch tart pans. Fill with mincemeat and top with a 1 inch round piece of pastry cut with the doughnut hole cutter. For added decoration, cut or press a design into the 1 inch pastry round before placing in the center of the filled tart.
Bake at 425 for approx. 20 mins or until pastry is lightly browned at the edges.