For the Mincemeat:
1. Mix all the ingredients together and store in sterile Kilner jars in the fridge. For the first month, mix every 2-3 days.
Meringue topped mini Mince Pies:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, gas mark 4 and grease a 24-hole mini muffin/tart tin with butter. Use a 6cm round cutter to cut out 24 circles of pastry. Carefully press the pastry into the greased tin.
2. Fill each pastry case with mincemeat and bake the mince pies for 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, make the meringue topping. Use an electric whisk to whip the egg whites to stiff peaks, then add sugar 1tbsp at a time, continuing to whisk. When the mixture is glossy and forms stiff peaks, spoon into a piping bag with plain nozzle.
4. Remove the pies from the oven and reduce oven temperature to 140°C, gas mark 1. Top each one with a swirl of meringue, then return to the oven for 10 minutes until golden. Serve warm or cold and store in an airtight container.