Christmas Mincemeat Squares

A dense buttery crust, slathered with vegetarian mincemeat covered by a lovely coconut crumble on top; this is another scrumptious yet informal way to enjoy the traditional holiday pie this season.       

Mincemeat Squares

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Crumb Mixture:

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup old fashion rolled oats

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, melted

1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons almond extract 

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling:

3/4 cup vegetarian mincemeat pie filling, homemade or ready made

1/2 cup unsweetened flaked coconut, for sprinkling on top crumb mixture

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease and flour a 9inch square baking pan; then line with baking parchment paper. Set aside. 

In a large bowl combine flour, oats, butter, sugar, almond extract, baking soda and salt. Beat with an electric mixture at low speed for 1 to 2 minutes, until mixture is crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture; press the remaining crumb mixture onto bottom of prepared baking pan.

Spread the mincemeat filling within 1/2 inch of edge of crumb mixture; sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture and the unsweetened coconut flakes over top. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 27 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool completely. Cut into squares. 

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend. We did! - JD