Categories: Cookies, Desserts 
      Yield: 24 bars 
  
    3/4 c  Water 
      1    9-oz pkg condensed mincemeat 
    3/4 c  Shortening 
    1/2 c  Granulated sugar 
    1/3 c  Molasses 
    1/4 c  All-purpose flour 
    1/2 c  Rolled oats 
           Powder sugar (optional) 
  
  For filling, in a saucepan bring water to boiling.  Add mincemeat; 
  reduce heat.  Cover and simmer for 3 minutes, stirring often.  Cool. 
   
  In a large bowl beat shortening with an electric mixer on medium 
  speed for 30 seconds.  Gradually add granulated sugar, beating till 
  fluffy.  Beat in molasses.  Add flour; beat till combined.  Use a 
  wooden spoon to stir in oats. 
   
  Press one/half of the oatmeal mixture onto the bottom of a greased 
  9x9x2-inch baking pan.  Spread mincemeat filling onto oatmeal mixture. 
  Drop remaining mixture by teaspoonsfuls onto filling.  Bake in a 350 
  degree oven for 35 minutes or till light brown.  Cool in the pan on a 
  wire rack.  If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar.  Cut into 
  diamonds or bars.  Makes 24 servings.