Put mincemeat, coffee, 3/4 cup water, apple, raisins and brandy into saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until quite thick. Place in refrigerator to cool. May be done the day before.
Make basic pie crust with flour, shortening, water and salt. Roll out dough. Form tarts using approximately 1 tablespoon filling for each tart. Seal well. Cut an "X" in the center of each tart to vent and insert a half of a maraschino cherry. Sprinkle generously with granulated sugar.
Bake in a 350 to 375 degree oven until crust is golden.
Notes
Condensed Mincemeat has been discontinued!Condensed Mincemeat Substitutes:Homemade Mincemeat: Use 1 1/2 cups homemade mincemeat, add coffee and diced apple (omit extra water, raisins and brandy). Simmer until liquid is reduced and apples are tender.Ready-to-use mincemeat (Classic Original with Apples & Raisins NOT Brandy & Rum): Omit 3/4 cup water. Use 1 1/3 cup (1/2 of a 27-ounce jar) reconstituted mincemeat for 1 9-ounce package condensed mincemeat. Boil all ingredients 2 minutes and then reduce heat and simmer until of proper consistency.This recipe is really much better using the condensed mincemeat, but the condensed form has now been discontinued in favor of the ready-to-use variety (which has added corn syrup). I suggest increasing the amount of brandy and the strength of the coffee to overcome this limitation.