You all know how expensive mincemeat is! This is so easy and so good. For a Christmas idea, fill a jar and with a pretty ribbon tie a recipe to it for mincemeat cookies. For the people that don't like mincemeat pie, they will love the cookies. This recipe will make 1-9" pie. Combine is a saucepan: 1 1/2 c. raisins, 1c. chopped apples, 1c. minced dried apricots, 2/3 c. apple juice, juice and grated rind of 1 orange. Bring to boil and simmer for 15 mins. Remove from heat and stir in: 1/2 c. honey, 1/4c. crushed soda crackers, 1/2 t. cinnamon, and 1/2 t. ground cloves. Delicious and just like the real thing.

-- Anita Nielsen (atnielsen@egl.net), November 19, 2000