MINCEMEAT SQUARES

Steps:

• PASTRY:.
• Sift flour, sugar and salt into a large bowl.
• Cut in lard with a pastry blender until it resembles coarse meal.
• Put egg yolk in measuring cup, add milk to make 1/2 cup.
• Add egg mixture to bowl; stir until dough clings together and forms a ball.
• Roll out half the dough on a floured surface to a 15" x 11" rectangle; transfer to a cookie sheet.
• Note: You can make a parchment paper or wax paper pattern measuring 15" x 11". Roll out pastry directly onto the paper for easy transfer to baking sheet.
• FILLING:.
• Spread mincemeat filling evenly over dough to within 3/4 inch of edges.
• Dot the top of the mincemeat with the bits of butter.
• FINAL ASSEMBLY:.
• Roll out remaining half of dough; cut vents.
• Moisten edges of bottom pastry with cool water using a pastry brush or your fingers. Cover filling with the top pastry, sealing edges.
• Pinch edges together and crimp.
• TOPPING:.
• Beat egg white until stiff; spread on top crust.
• Bake in preheated 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove to wire rack.
• GLAZE (optional):.
• Combine icing sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl.
• Drizzle over warm pastry.
• Cool slightly before cutting into squares to serve.