Zucchini Mincemeat Food

ZUCCHINI MINCEMEAT

Steps:

• In a large pot over medium heat, stir together the zucchini, apples, raisins, currants, vinegar, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, and allow the mixture to boil. Reduce heat to low, then simmer until thickened, 2 to 3 hours. For a thicker mincemeat, stir in the bread crumbs; simmer for 5 more minutes to absorb excess liquid.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the mincemeat into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark place.

MOCK MINCEMEAT PIE

Steps:

• TO MAKE THE PIE CRUST: Combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl or in the work bowl of a food processor.
• Process or cut in the butter or lard until the fat is in pea-size pieces.
• If using a food processor, turn the mixture into a large bowl.
• In a small bowl, whisk the egg, lemon juice, and 3 Tablespoons ice water together.
• Drizzle the liquids over the crumbly mixture.
• With a fork, mix until the pastry holds together in a ball, adding more ice water if necessary.
• Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead once or twice, lightly, to shape the dough into a ball.
• Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before rolling out.
• TO MAKE THE FILLING: Prepare the pie crust.
• On a floured surface, roll out half of the pastry to fit a 10-inch pie pan.
• Line the pan with the pastry.
• Preheat the oven to 425 F.
• In a large bowl, combine the apples, zucchini, carrots, nuts, raisins, and flour; toss to mix.
• In another bowl, mix the brown sugar and butter until blended and stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and lemon juice.
• Mix into the apple mixture.
• Turn the filling into the pastry-lined pan.
• On a floured surface, roll out the second half of the pastry and cut into 1/2-inch strips.
• Arrange on top of the filling in a lattice fashion.
• Trim and seal the strips to the bottom crust.
• In a small bowl, make the glaze by beating the egg and water together.
• Brush the mixture over the top and edges of the pie.
• Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the pie is set and the pastry is golden brown.
• Serve warm with whipped cream, if desired.
• The Great Holiday Baking Book.