These fruit squares make a great alternative to mince pies over the festive season. They keep in an air tight container for two to three days, or alternatively, you can freeze them prior to dusting with icing sugar – this can be done once thawed.
Ingredients:
- 155g softened butter
- 150g caster sugar
- 2 eggs
- 150g self raising flour
- 75g plain flour
- 125ml milk
- 2 drops vanilla extract
- 250g mincemeat
- 20g flaked almonds
- Icing sugar (for dusting)
- Preheat oven 180C/160F/Gas 3
- Grease and line 24cm x 32cm Swiss roll tin. Extend the baking parchment by 5cm over the sides
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time
- Stir in the flour, milk and vanilla extract, then spread mixture evenly into the prepared tin
- Drop spoonfuls of the mincemeat over the mixture and swirl through with the back of a spoon
- Sprinkle the top with almonds and bake for approximately 20 minutes until golden brown
- Dust with icing sugar before cutting. Eat warm or at room temperature.
Pauline Mardell