Green Tomato Mincemeat

Ingredients
8 cups (2000 ml) cored, quartered green tomatoes
4 cups (1000 ml) cored, finely chopped apples
2 cups (500 ml) raisins
1 cup (250 ml) dried currants
1/2 cup (125 ml) mixed candied fruit
1/4 cup (50 ml) candied orange peel
1/4 cup (50 ml) candied ginger
2 tsp (10 ml) ground cinnamon
1 tsp (5 ml) allspice
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
1/2 tsp (2 ml) ground cloves
1/2 tsp (2 ml) mace
1 cup (250 ml) lightly packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups (375 ml) granulated sugar
1 cup (250 ml) apple juice
1/3 cup (75 ml) apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice
1/2 cup (125 ml) brandy, optional
Instructions
In a large stainless steel saucepan, combine all ingredients except brandy; stir constantly
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat, boiling gently, stirring frequently for 1 1/2 hours until mixture thickens
Stir in brandy, if using, and remove from heat
Meanwhile, place 6 clean 500 ml mason jars on a rack in a boiling water canner; cover jars with water and heat to a simmer (180°F/82°C)
Set screw bands aside; heat SNAP LID® sealing discs in hot water, not boiling (180°F/82°C)
Keep jars and sealing discs hot until ready to use
Ladle hot mincemeat into a hot jar to within 1/2 inch (1 cm) of top of jar (headspace)
Using nonmetallic utensil, remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if required, by adding more mincemeat
Wipe jar rim removing any food residue; centre hot sealing disc on clean jar rim, screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip tight
Return filled jar to rack in canner; repeat for remaining mincemeat
When canner is filled, ensure that all jars are covered by at least one inch (2.5 cm) of water
Cover and bring to full rolling boil before counting processing time
When processing time is complete, remove canner lid, wait 5 minutes, then remove jars without tilting and place them upright on a protected work surface
Cool upright, undisturbed 24 hours; DO NOT RETIGHTEN screw bands
After cooling check jar seals: sealed discs curve downward and do not move when pressed
Remove screw bands; wipe and dry bands and jars
Store screw bands separately or replace loosely on jars, as desired
Label and store jars in a cool, dark place
Processing Time:
At altitudes up to 1000 ft (305 m) process filled jars 15 minutes
Recipe Notes
Just before using each jar of preserves, add the zest of one fresh orange into each 500 ml amount
Add a tablespoon or two of brandy to the preserves just before baking into a pie, a tart or drizzling over ice cream for another festive touch