A Very Downton Holiday Includes Mincemeat in Your Baking

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11 years ago

PBS now sells holiday oranaments — PBS now sells holiday ornaments

Not a Downton fan was stirring across the PBS network Sunday night as all eyes were riveted to the Return To Downton special. Susan Sarandon hosted the look back across the three seasons and more importantly a peak at Season 4. Will Mary survive Matthew’s Death, will Downton survive the 1920’s, will Anna and Bates live happily ever after, will Lady Rose stay out of trouble? So many questions that will be revealed come the launch of Season 4.

In the meantime the holiday season is upon us and a good time to celebrate in true Downton style by serving traditional British holiday sweets. Stock up on your dried fruits as this week we recap on traditional favorites to add to your holiday trays and a new recipe for healthy easy mincemeat oatmeal squares.

Downton Dish

*Return to Downton* previewed this S4 zinger

The launch of Season 4 is inching closer in the US. January 5th is when PBS will be broadcasting the event across the US and Canada. Each week I share Downton news, but if you haven’t seen all seasons (1-4) beware of spoilers below:

Summing up Season 4 for Lady Mary: Mud & Pigs
The Battle for Viewers on Christmas Day in the UK: Downton or Darcy?
Upstairs Actors take on Downstairs Duties: Waiting for Charity.
Downton Tabby: you knew it was only a matter of time

Downton Holiday Entertaining

With 220 traditional Downton era recipes with a modern twist, this is a great book to to give for fellow fans planning holiday treats and meals. Book sales help offset my costs in food, equipment and time to keep bringing you new dishes each week. While the book is available on Amazon, you can only get a signed copy here on my site. If you don’t have an eReader I would suggest the PDF version which allows you to print recipes as you go, if you wish. Buy one for yourself, gift to another. All you have to do is email the download link.

Easy Mincemeat Oatmeal Squares

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Easy Holiday Mincemeat Oatmeal Squares

Nothing says British Christmas like mincemeat. By the Victorian era, cooks were starting to make mince without meat, but the tradition of suet remains. You can substitute shortening to get a similar result. My local butcher gives it to me free so you may wish to give it a try. Once you have made a large batch of mincemeat you can easily prepare a number of delicious sweets for visiting guests over the holidays.

Course Afternoon Tea

Cuisine English, Vegetarian, Victorian

Cook Time 30

Total Time 30

Servings squares

Ingredients

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup sugar (or sugar substitute)
1 tsp. baking powder
¾ tsp. salt
¾ cup medium rolled oats
2/3 cup unsalted butter softened
1 egg beaten
1 cup Not Quite TraditionalMincemeat
1 cup icing sugar shifted
¼ tsp. ground ginger
2–3 tbsp. milk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9 inch square pan by lightly greasing.
Mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and rolled oats. Cut in the butter until it is thoroughly mixed in, then add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Press half of the oat mixture into the pan. Spoon themincemeat on top of the crumble. Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of themincemeat.
Bake for 30 to 35minutes.
While cooling mix the icing sugar and ginger, adding enough milk to thin to drizzling consistency. Drizzle over the warm pan. Cool and cut into bars.

Notes

It is easy to make your own mincemeat

Your Downton Holiday Gift Giving

Gift ideas for your Downton fan. Click on the icons to take you to Amazon to order in time for the holidays.

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