Minced Meat For Pies

2 lb Meat, cooked*

1 lb Suet, beef; chopped

2 lb Apple; cored/peeled/chopped

1 lb Raisins

1 lb Currants

1 T Cinnamon

1 T Mace

1 T Nutmeg

1 T Pepper, black

1 qt Cider

2 c Wine, red, sweet

Brandy; to taste Wine; to taste

*Meat should be beef tongue, venison, or some cut which will maintain its texture during fermentation.

Combine all ingredients in a clean stoneware crock. Add enough wine and brandy to taste, completely covering the chopped ingredients. Weight down ingredients with a heavy plate topped with a sealed quart jar full of water to keep ingredients submerged in the liquid. Cover with cheesecloth and tie loosely; add stoneware cover if available. Store in a cool place for six to eight weeks or longer. Check from time to time. If liquid level falls, add more wine, cider, and brandy.

Use this mincemeat in any pie shell. Cover with a lattice top and crimp the edge. Brush crust with beaten egg white for a golden blaze. Bake at 425 F. for 15 minutes and then at 375 F. for another half hour, or until crust is golden and filling is simmering throughout.

Early American Life magazine December 1991 issue per Sam Waring