SantiagoBear

01:44 am: I know, I know, who cares? But . . . .
This is a "Donna Domestic" post.

If you're like me, and it just isn't Christmas Dinner without Mince Pie (I know - - You actually EAT that?????), it can be hard to deal with when Mincemeat just isn't easy to find.  Here, in Chile, it's nonexistent.  And, as I recall, when I lived in the States, it was getting harder and harder to find even Nonesuch on the shelves of most supermarkets.  Mincemeat just isn't all that popular.

HOWEVER - - one CAN make one's own mincemeat.  It takes a week or so, and most recipes yield 3 gallons, or so.  Who wants 3 gallons of mincemeat? And where do you get Suet, anyway?????

Have no fear.  Donna Domestic is here!!!!

It's not REAL mincemeat, but it sure tastes like it:

Chop 1 1/2 cups of raisins or raisins mixed with quince.
Pare, core, and slice 4 tart apples.

Place in a heavy saucepan with

Juice and Grated rind of one Orange
1/4 cup apple cider or other fruit juice.
(actually, leftover SWEET wine is great for this!)

cover and simmer until the apples are tender.  Stir in until COMPLETELY combined:

3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
2 tablespoons finely crushed soda crackers (Saltines are a POOR substitute, but will do in a pinch).

This will keep for several days in the fridge.

When you're ready to make a pie, make pastry for two-crust pie and add 2 tbl brandy or cognac to the "mincemeat."  Fill the pie shell, and bake at 450º for about 50 minutes.

Damn, it tastes like home.