what things can you cook

[princealbertofb]

Who wants this 18th century recipe for Mincemeat (without meat?)
Incidentally you could replace the suet with vegetable margarine if you are so inclined.

MINCEMEAT WITHOUT MEAT

MINCEMEAT PIE WITHOUT MEAT (18th century)
Chop fine three pounds of suet, and three pounds of pared and cored apples. Wash and dry three pounds of currants, stone and chop one pound of raisins, beat and sift (love this bit, lol ) one pound and a half of loaf sugar (who does loaf sugar these days???), cut small twelve ounces of candied orange peel and six ounces of citron; mix all well together, with a quarter of and ounce of nutmeg, half an ounce of cinnamon, six or eight cloves, and half a pint of French Brandy; put it into closed jar, and keep it for use.
This is from an old book my mother had; I've just got the photocopy from that page.

To the above sorts of ingredients we actually substituted or added vegetable margarine instead of the suet, brown sugar, lemon juice and a bit of the grated rind, all spice, cardamom, a whole pot of apricot jam... It is delicious. I can't wait to make the pies... But it's advent officially now, so we can make some.