Mincemeat Bars

¾ cup water
1 9-oz package condensed mincemeat
¾ cup shortening
½ cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup molasses
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups rolled oats
powdered sugar (optional)


For filling, bring water to boiling in a saucepan. Add mincemeat. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 3 minutes, stirring often. Cool. Set aside.

Beat shortening in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating until fluffy. Beat in molasses. Add flour and beat until combined. Stir in oats with wooden spoons. Press half of the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of a greased 9X9X2- inch baking pan. Spread mincemeat filling over oatmeal mixture. Drop remaining oatmeal mixture by teaspoonfuls onto filling. Bake in a 350 degree over for 30 to 35 minutes or until light brown. Cool in the pan on a wire rack. If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut into diamonds or bars.

Makes 24.