Chocolate Mincemeat Slices

With Christmas around the corner my kitchen is smelling all Christmassy with the scents of mixed spice and cinnamon. Last week I made some chocolate mincemeat and here's why. A great alternative to mince pies, especially for those that are not very keen on traditional mincemeat, they're easier than making mince pies, and a whole lot tastier too.

Chocolate Mincemeat Slices

Shortbread layer
125g Plain Flour
25g Ground almonds
50g Caster sugar
110g Clover block*
zest of 1 orange (tip from Mummy Mishaps)

Mincemeat layer
400g Chocolate mincemeat

Crumble layer
100g Plain Flour
25g Chopped almonds
50g Clover block*
25g Demerara sugar
1/2 tsp mixed spice

• In a mixer or food processor whizz the shortbread ingredients together until they come together in a ball
• Press into the base of a greased rectangular baking tin & smooth out - I used one approx 28cm x 17cm
• Spoon the mincemeat over the shortbread and spread out evenly
• Whizz the crumble topping ingredients together until they resemble breadcrumbs
• Spread the crumble evenly over the top of the mincemeat & press down with the back of a fork
• Bake in a preheated 180 C oven for approx 30-35 minutes, until golden brown
• Allow to cool in the tin before cutting into slices

* The Clover block used in this recipe is a great alternative to butter, not only does it contain 30% less saturated fat than butter, but it can also easily be used straight from the fridge. It's soft enough to be beaten and used in cakes but also firm enough for shortbread and crumble, as can be seen in this recipe. It's also great for spreading on toast, right out of the fridge. You can find out more about Clover, as well as recipes, on Facebook.

I was provided with Clover block and the cost of the ingredients for this recipe