Mince Meat. Mrs. R. H. Johnson. Recipe

Recipe for Mince Meat by Mrs. R. H. Johnson

Introduction:
Mince Meat is a classic pie filling that has a rich history dating back several centuries. Its origins can be traced back to medieval times when it was commonly used as a way to preserve meat. Over time, the recipe evolved to include a combination of meats, fruits, and spices, resulting in a delicious and versatile filling that can be enjoyed in various desserts. One popular version of Mince Meat is the recipe by Mrs. R. H. Johnson, which combines beef, suet, apples, raisins, currants, and a blend of spices to create a flavorful filling for pies. This recipe has stood the test of time and continues to be cherished by many.

Fun Fact:
Did you know that Mince Meat has historical roots in England? It was traditionally made with minced meat, suet, and a combination of dried fruits and spices. Initially, it was a savory dish enjoyed by the upper class, but over time it became more popular among all social classes and evolved into a sweet dessert.

Ingredients:
- 4 pounds of good boiled beef or one boiled tongue (for a richer flavor)
- 1 pound suet
- 8 apples (variety of your choice), peeled and chopped
- 2 pounds of raisins, seeded
- 2 pounds of currants
- 2 grated nutmegs
- 2 ounces ground cloves
- 1 pound citron, cut fine
- 2 pounds brown sugar
- 2 tablespoonfuls of salt
- 1 pint boiled cider
- A glass of grape jelly, diluted with water (for baking)
- Butter, as needed
- A few extra raisins (for baking)
- Sugar, as needed (for baking)

Instructions:
1. Begin by chopping the boiled beef (or tongue) into fine pieces. If using tongue, remove any skin or gristle before chopping.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped beef, suet, and chopped apples.
3. Add the raisins, currants, grated nutmegs, ground cloves, citron, brown sugar, and salt to the bowl. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Pour in the pint of boiled cider and continue mixing until everything is well incorporated.
5. At this point, the Mince Meat mixture can be canned like fruit for future use or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
6. When ready to bake pies, preheat your oven to the desired temperature for pie baking (usually around 375°F or 190°C).
7. Take out the desired amount of Mince Meat filling from the refrigerator and transfer it to a mixing bowl.
8. Add a glass of diluted grape jelly, a small amount of butter, a few additional raisins, and sugar if needed to sweeten the filling further. Mix well to distribute the added ingredients evenly.
9. Fill the pie crusts with the prepared Mince Meat filling, making sure not to overfill. Leave some space for the filling to expand during baking.
10. Add the top crust to the filled pies, seal the edges, and make small slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
11. Place the pies on a baking sheet and carefully transfer them to the preheated oven.
12. Bake the pies for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
13. Once baked, remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
Mince Meat can be used for more than just pies. Here are a few other delicious dishes you can make with this versatile filling:

1. Mince Meat Tart: Instead of traditional pie crust, use a sweet tart crust to create individual-sized Mince Meat tarts. Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a delightful treat.

2. Mince Meat Thumbprint Cookies: Transform your Mince Meat into thumbprint cookies by adding a dollop of the filling to the center of each cookie dough ball before baking. The combination of the buttery cookie and the sweet filling creates a delightful bite-sized treat.

3. Mince Meat Bread Pudding: Combine Mince Meat with a bread pudding mixture to create a comforting and decadent dessert. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake until set. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.

Now you have the recipe for Mrs. R. H. Johnson's Mince Meat and some ideas for other ways to enjoy this classic filling. Whether you stick to the traditional Mince Meat pie or explore other creative dishes, this recipe is sure to bring warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen. Enjoy!