The Epicure's Almanac or Diary of Good Living
December 1st : MINCE MEAT
It is now a fitting time for the preparation of mince meat, which is much improved by being well mixed for some days before use. Peel, core, and chop fine, a pound of sound apples, wash and pick a pound and a half of currants, stone half a pound of raisins, and let both these be chopped small; take away the skin and gristle from a pound of cold roast beef, and carefully pick a pound of beef suet; chop these well together.
Cut into small bits three quarters of a pound of mixed candied orange, citron and lemon peel; let all these be well stirred up in a large pan.
Grind into powder a nutmeg , half an ounce of ginger, and a quarter of an ounce of cloves, the same quantity of allspice, and coriander seeds, add half an ounce of salt, and put these into the pan, mixing thoroughly.
Grate the rinds of three lemons, and squeeze the juice over half a pound of fine Lisbon sugar, mixed with the lemon peel, pour over this two gills of Brandy and half a pint of Sherry.
Let these ingredients be stirred for twenty minutes, cover the pan with a slate, and when about to use the mince-meat, take it from the bottom of the pan.