Special Occasion Mincemeat for the Holidays

Apples, dried apricots, raisins, grapes and slivered almonds make Special Occasion Mincemeat delicious. Store in a cool, dark place in tightly sealed sterilized jars. This mincemeat treat maked a wonderful gift during the holiday season.

SPECIAL OCCASION MINCEMEAT

3 lemons

3 tart green apples, cored and pared

3 McIntosh apples, cored

1 pound dried apricots

1 pound dark raisins

1 pound golden raisins

1/4 pound candied citron, chopped

1 1/2 pounds grapes, seeded and chopped

1 1/2 cups slivered almonds

4 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups dark rum

Remove lemon peel and reserve. Squeeze lemons and reserve juice. Combine apples, apricots, raisins, lemon peel and citron. Force through large-hole food chopper. Add lemon juice, grapes, almonds, sugar and rum. Blend well.

Cover and let stand at room temperature at least 2 hours. Stir occasionally. Pour into sterilized jars and seal tightly. Store in cool, dark place. Makes about 3 quarts.