Can I use an Apple thumb drive to install 10.7 on my Dec 2011 Mini?

I have acquired a used 2011 Mini and want to "take possession" of it. The only painless way I can think to do this is to wipe it and install a new OS and user account. If I could make the existing user account mine I would be happy to do that. Indicators are that I can but it seems like a minefield.
I put the Lion DVD into the Min/Air Superdrive. I made the DVD from the first Lion download last summer. It has worked fine since for installing Lion onto my MacBook but the Mini said "No". If I boot from the Recovery disc I am invited to download the whole OS all over again and the time estimate is 75 hours. I cannot afford to be without my keyboard, mouse and screen for 7 hours, let alone 75, so I must think of something else.
£55 is a bit steep, especially for something I already paid £21 for but, for a simple life, I would be ready to buy the Thumb Drive from Apple, if I knew it would work and not be rejected by the Mini. If anyone knows for sure this is going to work or if you have an alternative suggestion for using it as is I would be very grateful for your thoughts.
Drew

This relies on there being a Time Machine backup sadly. I don't think there is much I can do with the Recovery Disc without one. Is there?
If I put the copy of Lion that I have in the Mini's Superdrive it mounts but it says "you cannot install this version of the OS on this computer" or words to that effect. So, unless I can manipulate the account from where I am, I am going to have to stump up the £55 but it will be a complete pain if I wait for the thumb drive to turn up and then get the same message.
Thanks for trying anyway.
Drew

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