English Tea Squares

This is another recipe from my Aunty Win in Canada. We made this together that Christmas so long ago when I was far from home and missing the holiday baking with my mother and sisters. This is still one of my favorite cookies which makes an appearance every Christmas without fail. I cut it into fingers rather than squares.

3/4 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 egg, beaten

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. Allspice

1 cup toasted almond/walnuts, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup strawberry jam, warmed up

Confectioners sugar for dusting

1. Beat butter until light. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.

2. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.

3. Stir in flour, allspice and almonds or walnuts.

4. Spoon about half of mixture into a lightly greases 9-inch square pan or rectangular dish. Spread strawberry jam on top of mixture.

5. Top with remaining dough. The process works well if you use a teaspoon and drop bits of dough until the top is completely covered.

6. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 - 35 minutes or until delicately brown.

7. Cool on baking rack. When completely cool dust with confectioners sugar and cut into small squares or fingers.