English Mincemeat Pies
eight 2-1/2 inch pie shells
1-1/2 cups mincemeat
Mincemeat Filling (yields 3 qts)
1/2 lb beef suet, chopped fine
4 cups seedless raisins
2 cups dried currants
1 cup coarsely chopped almonds
1/2 cup coarsely chopped candied citron
1/2 cup coarsely chopped dried figs
1/2 cup coarsely chopped candied orange peel
1/4 cup coarsely chopped candied lemon peel
4 cups coarsely chopped, peeled and cored cooking apples
1 & 1/4 cups sugar
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
2 & 1/2 cups brandy
1 cup dry sherry
Combine the suet, raisins, currants, almonds, citron, figs, orange peel, lemon peel, apples, sugar, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, and cloves in a large mixing bowl and stir them together thoroughly.
Pour in the brandy and the sherry and stir with a large spoon until all the ingredients are moist.
Cover the bowl and set the ingredients aside in a cool place (do not refrigerate) for at least 3 weeks. Check the mixture each week and replenish the absorbed liquor with more brandy and sherry, using about 1/4 cup each time.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Place about 3 tbsp of mincemeat into each pastry shell and cover with sheet of pastry, crimping the edges with a fork.
Place the stuffed pies on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees F and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Let pies cool then remove from tin and serve with whipped cream or Brandy Butter.