How to Make Mincemeat Squares

Crosse and Blackwell mincemeat fillings

Mincemeat squares are not your average holiday dessert, but don't be turned off by the name. Mincemeat is actually a mixture of chopped dried fruit, spices and sometimes a touch of liquor. It's sweet and makes a great holiday dessert filling. If you're not a fan of mincemeat, you can replace it with any kind of canned fruit pie filling.

Things You'll Need

• Cookie sheet
• 1-1/2 cups flour
• 1-1/4 cups uncooked oats
• 3/4 to 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3/4 cup shortening
• 2 cups mincemeat pie filling

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Combine the dry ingredients. If you like your bars sweet, use all the sugar. If you prefer less sweetness, use 3/4 cup of sugar.

2. Cut the shortening into the dry mixture, using a pastry blender or knife, until it reaches the texture of coarse crumbs. Pat half of the mixture into a 13-by-9 inch cookie sheet or pan.

3. Spoon the mincemeat over the crust. Top with the remaining crumbs mixture. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned.

4. Cool, then cut into equal squares. These are great served with whipped cream. The recipe should yield about 18 mincemeat squares.

Tips & Warnings

• You can find modern-day mincemeat in the baking section of your grocery store, usually where you'll find pie fillings.