Mincemeat Crumb Bars

Just in time for the Holidays, Fresh Fruit Mincemeat is now available at all 6 Harter House Supermarkets.


Did you know that mincemeat used to contain real minced up meat – hence its name.

The recipe originated in England some 500 years ago as an alternative method of preserving meat rather than salting or smoking it.
Mince pies made with real meat are less sweet and denser than the more modern fruit only version and were traditionally eaten as part of a main course with more meat than fruit being included into the recipe.
In the 17th century as fruits and spices began to be more widely available, they began to be included more than the meat. As the dish got sweeter accordingly, the meat was lost altogether from the pies and they were transformed into the sweet treats we now recognize and love today.

You will find Fresh Fruit Mincemeat at all Harter House Locations.
Contrains NO meat. And no cooking is requires.


Ingredients

* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
* 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 1/2 cups butter
* 2 cups prepared mincemeat
* 1 teaspoon orange zest
* 1 cup confectioners' sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 tablespoon milk

Directions

1. In large mixing bowl stir together: flour, oats, brown sugar and baking soda. Melt butter or margarine over low heat and stir in until well blended. Set aside 2 cups of this mixture.
2. Distribute remaining oat mixture evenly into an ungreased 15 X 10 X 1 inch baking pan and pat down. Bake this in a 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 12 minutes.
3. Stir lemon OR orange peel into mincemeat OR fruit-pie filling. Spread filling carefully over the HOT baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the filling. Pat oat mixture very gently onto filling.
4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until top is golden. Cool pan on rack. Drizzle with icing.:
5. To Make Icing: Mix together 1 cup confectioners' sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 to 2 tablespoon milk. Add milk a little at a time to obtain drizzling consistency.

The icing on top is optional. Yummy whichever way they are made.