Individual mincemeat pies are a classic british christmas treat but another delicious pie is a mincemeat and apple tart. Rather than a small individual mince pie, the mincemeat and apple tart is a whole open-topped pie which sliced is a lovely tea-time delicacy, or served with custard or brandy sauce, a great pudding. Editor's note: what's the difference between mincemeat and, say, minced meat? As we found out the hard way, it can be a source of confusion. Modern-day mincemeat is a sweet concoction. While the tart filling did once contain beef and lamb ( la rachel's now-infamous "Friends" Trifle), current recipes use a blend of dried and fresh fruits, sugar, brandy, and suet.