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Fancy the flavour of mince pies without all the work of rolling pastry? Then my warmly spiced Mincemeat Oat Squares are for you! A delicious combination of two Christmas traditions - North American dessert squares and British mincemeat, they make a wonderful addition to any holiday cookie tray.
Created by: April J Harris

Mincemeat Oat Squares

Course Dessert
Cuisine Canadian
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients
 
 

  • ¾ cup rolled oats not instant oats
  • ¾ cup all purpose (plain) flour
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda baking soda is also known as bicarbonate of soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup cold butter, cut in small cubes
  • cups mincemeat store bought is fine, but choose a good brand
  • 2 tablespoon rum, brandy, Cointreau or Grand Mariner If you need an alcohol free option, you can substitute orange juice here.

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F or about 170°C (160°C for fan ovens).
  • Grease a 7-inch square pan and line the bottom with baking parchment.
  • Put the mincemeat in a small bowl and stir in the rum, brandy, Cointreau or Grand Mariner. Set aside.
  • Combine the flour with the butter in a medium bowl and cut the butter into the flour until mixture resembles fine crumbs. You can use a food processor for this or do it by hand with an old-fashioned pastry blender.
  • Add the oats, baking soda, salt and sugar to the butter and flour mixture and mix thoroughly.
  • Press half of this mixture into the prepared pan.
  • Put the pan in the freezer and the remaining oat mixture in the fridge.
  • After 15 minutes, remove the square pan from the freezer and the remaining oat mixture from the fridge.
  • Carefully spread the boozy mincemeat over the top of the oat mixture in the square pan.
  • Gently sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over top of the mincemeat.
  • Bake in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the squares are lightly golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool, then place the squares in the pan in the fridge for about half an hour or so before cutting.
  • Once the squares are cut, it's best to allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
  • Leftovers will keep in a sealed container in the fridge for several days.

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