Christmas Busyness

Just like just about everyone, I have been very busy with the busyness of Christmas. I have been gentle with myself, and have mostly enjoyed the busyness. I will get gifts bought and wrapped, the house cleaned and decorated (with the help of the hubby), and I have promised myself I will enjoy the season, and get done what I can. Today I managed to finish up the Apple Mincemeat Tarts. ... I tested them too, and they are delicious!

I started them over a week ago, when I made the mincemeat. It is best if it can sit for a few days for the flavours to blend before it is made into tarts. The recipe is below if anyone feels like making some.

Apple Mincemeat

Grate peel from 2 lemons; squeeze juice into mixing bowl. Add peel. Peel and chop (or shred with food processor) 8 apples and toss in lemon mixture. Add 2&1/2 cups brown sugar, 2 cups currants, 2&1/2 cup sliced almonds (the really finely sliced ones), 2 tsp. nutmeg, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cloves, 1/4 cup melted butter.

Store in refrigerator, stirring daily. Let flavours blend for at least 3 days.

(This recipe makes a lot of mincemeat, I either make half, or will can or freeze it for future use)

Another thing that has been keeping me busy, but in the most enjoyable way, is taking care of a friends dog.

Unfortunately for us she is going home tonight, but we have had a wonderful time with her for the past 10 days or so.