"twentieth Century" Mince Meat Recipe

Twentieth Century Mince Meat Recipe

Introduction:
The Twentieth Century Mince Meat recipe brings to life a classic holiday dish that has been enjoyed for decades. With a flavorful combination of beef, suet, raisins, spices, and a touch of whiskey, this mince meat recipe is a true culinary delight. Dating back to the early 1900s, it has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved holiday treat. In this recipe, we will explore the step-by-step process of making Twentieth Century Mince Meat, along with some intriguing fun facts about its history and variations.

Ingredients:
- 2 pounds lean beef, chopped fine
- 1/2 pound beef suet, shredded
- 2/3 quart whiskey
- 2 pounds large, seeded raisins
- 2 pounds Sultana raisins
- 2 pounds currants
- 1/2 pound citron
- Juice and grated rind of 2 oranges
- Juice and grated rind of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 grated nutmegs
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 pound sugar
- Chopped apples (for baking pies)
- Sherry wine and water (if needed)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the beef and suet:
- Chop the lean beef into fine pieces.
- Shred the beef suet and add it to the chopped beef.
- Place the beef and suet mixture in a large stone jar.

2. Add whiskey and let it rest:
- Pour 2/3 quart of whiskey over the beef and suet in the jar.
- Cover the jar with a lid and let it stand for a week to marinate.

3. Add the fruits and spices:
- After a week, add the large, seeded raisins, Sultana raisins, currants, and citron to the jar.
- Add the juice and grated rind of oranges and lemons.
- Sprinkle in the salt, ground cinnamon, grated nutmegs, ground allspice, and sugar.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

4. Let it age:
- Place the lid back on the jar and allow the mixture to stand for an additional two weeks.
- This aging process is crucial for the flavors to meld and intensify.

5. Adjust the sweetness and consistency:
- Before using the mince meat for baking pies, taste it to determine if it needs more sweetness.
- If desired, sweeten by adding more sugar.
- If the mixture is too thick, add a little sherry wine and water, mixed, to achieve the desired consistency.

6. Bake the mince pies:
- When ready to bake, remove the desired amount of mince meat from the jar.
- Mix in chopped apples, using a ratio of two parts mince meat to one part chopped apples.
- Add a little more sugar if it is not as sweet as desired.
- Fill the bottom crust of the pie with the mince meat mixture.
- Cover with the top crust and seal the edges.
- Bake according to your preferred pie crust recipe or until the crust is golden brown.

Fun Facts about Twentieth Century Mince Meat:
- The use of whiskey in mince meat recipes can be traced back to eighteenth-century England, where it was used as a preservative.
- The aging process allows the flavors to blend and develop, giving the mince meat its distinct taste.
- Mince meat has its origins in medieval times when it was made with meat, fruits, and spices as a means to preserve the meat during the winter months.
- Twentieth Century Mince Meat gained popularity in the early 1900s and has remained a holiday favorite ever since.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
- Traditional Mincemeat Pie: Made with a mixture of meats (such as beef or venison), dried fruits, suet, brandy or rum, and a variety of spices.
- Apple Mince Pie: A variation of the traditional mince pie that replaces the meat with diced apples, raisins, and spices.
- Vegetarian Mince Meat: A meatless version of mince meat that includes ingredients like apples, dried fruits, nuts, and a blend of warming spices.

Conclusion:
The Twentieth Century Mince Meat recipe is a delightful reminder of generations past and a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional holiday recipes. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients are sure to make your mince pies a hit with family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the history behind this classic recipe, and enjoy the flavorful journey back in time with Twentieth Century Mince Meat!