Mincemeat - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 lb. beef (stew meat is fine)
1 pkg. dry apples
1 pkg. dry apricots
2 (15 oz.) pkg. seedless raisins
2 lb. light brown sugar
1 c. molasses
1 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. allspice
1 lb. chopped walnuts
1 c. brandy
1/4 lb. beef suet
1 1/2 lb. dried currants
3/4 c. diced candied lemon peel
1 Tbsp. salt
3 c. apple cider (or 4 c.)
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 c. lemon juice
1/4 c. orange juice

Preparation

Cut meat into 1-inch cubes and place in Dutch oven with just enough water to cover.
Cook and simmer over moderate heat 2 hours.
Remove meat and reserve 1 cup of the liquid.
Force meat and suet through the coarse blade of food chopper.
In a large kettle combine chopped meat and all remaining ingredients except lemon juice, orange juice and brandy.
Stir to blend and bring mixture to boil over moderate heat.
Cover and simmer over moderately low heat 1 1/2 hours.
Add juices and brandy.
Freeze or can in 1-quart containers.
To blend flavors, let stand at least 1 week before using.
Makes about 6 quarts.
Use 1 quart for pies.
Also good for cookies.