MINCEMEAT SQUARES

2 cups ground rolled oats

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 cup margarine/butter

2 cups mincemeat

2 tbsp rum/brandy (optional)

1/4 cup maraschino cherries, quartered (optional)

Put rolled oats through a food chopper/blender to measure 2 cups.

Add flour, sugar and baking soda and mix thoroughly.

Cut in the margarine until mixture is crumbly.

Divide into two parts.

Pack 1/2 firmly in the bottom of a greased 12"x9" baking pan.

Spread the mincemeat (moist or condensed as prepared for pie filling) evenly over the crust, then add remaining mixture and pack with hand or spoon.

Place in a 350F oven and bake for 40 minutes.

Cool thoroughly and cut into strips or bars.