1/4 c. shortening
1/2 c. diced candied pineapple
1 c. chopped nuts
1 c. brandy flavored mincemeat
2 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 c. granulated sugar
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. molasses
2 eggs

Set oven temperatures at 350 degrees. Prepare smallest-size muffin tins with paper liners. Combine all ingredients; stir until well blended.

Pour into muffin tins; bake for 25 minutes. May be served warm or cold; frost with hard sauce before serving, if desired. Yield 5 dozen smallest-size muffins.

HARD SAUCE:

Cream 1/2 cup butter. Gradually add 2 cups 10X sugar, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and 2 tablespoons brandy. Ice the little cakes when ready to serve (warm or cold).