Crafting Festive Mincemeat Pie Filling: A Taste of History

Mincemeat pie, with its rich and spiced flavor, has a fascinating history that dates back to the eleventh century. Originally known as "Christmas Pie," it emerged when English crusaders returned from the Holy Land, bringing with them oriental spices. These spices – cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg – were incorporated into meat pies to symbolize the three gifts the magi presented to the Christ child. Today, mincemeat pies are a delightful tradition, often enjoyed in small portions with a mug of hot buttered rum.

Ingredients & Preparation

This recipe yields approximately seven quarts of festive mincemeat pie filling:

• 2 cups finely chopped suet
• 4 lbs ground beef or 4 lbs ground venison and 1 lb sausage
• 5 qts chopped apples
• 2 lbs dark, seedless raisins
• 1 lb white raisins
• 2 qts apple cider
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp cloves
• 5 cups sugar
• 2 tbsp salt

Directions:

1. Cook the suet and meat in water to prevent browning.
2. Peel, core, and quarter the apples.
3. Put the suet, meat, and apples through a food grinder using a medium blade.
4. Combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan and simmer for 1 hour, or until the mixture slightly thickens, stirring frequently.

Canning Instructions

To preserve your mincemeat pie filling for later enjoyment, follow these canning instructions:

1. Fill jars with the hot mixture, leaving 1-inch headspace.
2. Adjust lids and process immediately.

Process Times for Festive Mincemeat Pie Filling in a Dial-Gauge Pressure Canner

After the canner is completely depressurized, remove the weight from the vent port or open the petcock. Wait 10 minutes, then unfasten the lid carefully. Lift the lid with the underside away from you to avoid steam burns.

A Versatile Filling

Feel free to adapt this recipe to your preferences. Walnuts or pecans can be substituted for meat if desired. This mincemeat filling isn't just for pies; it can also be used as a delicious addition to tarts, cookies, or even as a topping for ice cream. Enjoy the rich history and comforting flavors of this traditional treat!