CRUMBLE BARS

These delightful crumble bars are delicious served with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They make an ideal mid afternoon treat. Crumble Bars

SERVING: 12

INGREDIENTS

1 1/3 cups ready made “mincemeat” (a mixture of dried fruits and spices) or fruit filling

Bottom Layer

140 g butter

¼ cup superfine sugar

1 cup all purpose flour

2/3 cup cornstarch

TOPPING

¾ cup self rising flour

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

6 tablespoon butter, cut into pieces

½ cup superfine sugar

¼ cup slivered almonds

½ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)

DIRECTIONS for CRUMBLE BARS

First, grease a shallow 11×8 -inch (28×20 cm)cake pan. To make the bottom layer, place the butter and sugar in a bowl and cream together until light and fluffy. Sift in the flour and cornstarch – and with your hands -bring the mixture together to form a ball. Push the dough into the cake pan, pressing it out and into the corners then chill in refrigerator for 20 -25 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200°C. Bake the bottom layer in the oven for 12- 15 minutes, or until puffed and golden. Make sure that you bake the bottom layer thoroughly because if it is under cooked it will not be crisp enough.

To make the crumble topping, place the sugar, butter and the flour in a bowl and rub together into course crumbs. Stir in almonds.

Spread the mincemeat over the bottom layer and scatter the crumbs on the top. Bake in the oven for an additional 20 minutes or until golden.

Let cool slightly, then cut into 16 pieces, and let cool completely. Dust with sifted confectioner’s sugar (if you like) Serve and Enjoy!

NOTE

• Mincemeat is a mixture of chopped dried fruit, distilled spirits and spices. If you don’t care for mincemeat, you can substitute a fruit filling of your choice. 

Photo Credit :gratitudeismine.com