Christmas Mincemeat and Oat Squares/Slices |
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Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 20 Minutes |
Ready In: 35 Minutes Servings: 6 |
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A great and EASY alternative to Mince Pies and these are healthy too! I always make a batch or 2 or 3 or 4 of traditional mince pies (!!) at Christmas time, but these are ALWAYS requested by my family & friends as well! They can be made throughout the year for a quick and easy snack; ideal for lunch boxes and picnics or charity cakes & bakes. They are REALLY good made with my Traditional British Boozy Mincemeat - Fat Free. Get the children to help too-they are SO easy to make & it gets everyone involved in the festivities! Ingredients:
5 ounces butter or 5 ounces margarine |
3 ounces soft brown sugar |
8 ounces whole wheat flour |
4 ounces porridge oats |
12 -16 ounces mincemeat |
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C or 400°F.
2. Grease a shallow baking tin, 11 x 7 inches.
3. Melt the butter or margarine gently in a large saucepan. Add the sugar and mix well.
4. While the butter and sugar are being heated up, mix the porridge oats & flour together in a bowl.
5. When the butter & sugar mixture have turned to liquid, take the pan off the heat and add the flour & oat mixture gradually, stirring all the time.
6. When it is all thoroughly mixed and blended, spoon HALF the mixture into a well greased shallow baking tin.
7. With the flat of your hand, press the mixture down firmly all over - making sure it gets into all the corners!
8. The firmer you press, the less crumbly it will be when it has been cooked & therefore easier to pick up and eat!
9. Next, using a tablespoon, spread ALL the mincemeat over the top - making sure it is evenly spread and goes into all those corners again! Press it down with the back of the spoon.
10. Then spread the remaining oat & flour mixture over the top - again pressing down firmly and making sure it is evenly spread.
11. Bake the mincemeat slices in the centre of the oven for about 20 minutes OR until the top is tinged brown - NOT too dark and brown.
12. Remove from the oven & with a sharp knife, cut into 12 squares - BUT make sure to leave them in the tin until they are cold. It is easier to remove them this way.
13. Sprinkle with icing sugar if you want and store in an airtight tin, that's if they are not gobbled up straight away!
14. These can be re-heated in a warm oven OR microwave - then serve with cream or brandy butter as a nice, festive dessert.
15. Be careful NOT to overheat in the microwave as mincemeat can really burn your mouth if it gets too hot!
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