California mincemeat

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2largesYellow onions; peeled and coarsely chopped
4mediumsGarlic cloves peeled & minced
1mediumSweet green pepper; cored, seeded & coarsely chopped
2tablespoonsOlive oil
½teaspoonCrumbled leaf marjoram
½teaspoonCrumbled leaf thyme
½teaspoonGround cumin
1pinchGround cinnamon
1poundsGround beef chuck
1poundsGround pork shoulder
2tablespoonsRuby port, sweet Madeira OR sherry
¼cupWell-drained capers
¾cupChopped olives w/pimento
½cupSeedless raisins
8ouncesTomato sauce
¼teaspoonFreshly ground black pepper
1cupToasted slivered almonds

Directions

IN A LARGE SKILLET set over moderate heat, stir-fry the onions, garlic and green pepper in the olive oil for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are limp. Mix in the marjoram, thyme, cumin and cinnamon, and cook over moderate heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the beef and pork. Fry the meat, breaking up any large chunks, just until the redness disappears; do not brown the meat. Add the wine and boil it uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes, until it evaporates. Mix in the remaining ingredients except the almonds, bring the mincemeat to a simmer and adjust the heat so that it simmers very gently. Cover the skillet and cook the mincemeat for 45 minutes, until the flavors are well blended. Stir in the almonds and cook, uncovered, for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until they are heated through. Ladle the mincemeat over rice, or slices of sourdough or French bread. Or, spoon the meat into pita pockets or taco shells.

Makes 6 to 8 servings

JEAN ANDERSON

PRODIGY GUEST CHEFS COOKBOOK

Submitted By BOBBI ZEE On 09-29-94