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Bakers! And baking novices (like me) - this recipe has been a game changer in our house and it's just too good not to share.

Christmas Shortbread is a recipe that seems to do the rounds in the Aga world at this time of year as a quick, easy and immensely tasty alternative to mince pies. Now I absolutely LOVE mince pies, and I'm converted!

Here's what you need to know

• It's not just for Aga's

• It's not just for Christmas

• You don't necessarily need a processor

Here's what I know

• When my Aga was out of gas, I baked two batches in the electric oven. For me about 175°C for 30-35 mins worked, but as we all know, every oven is different, so experiment by keep checking. It's not going to sink or anything, but you don't want a soggy bottom or a burnt top :)

• The tin is described as the 'small roasting tin' which is show in my picture. They are specifically sized to sit on the runners inside an Aga. Mine is about 32cm x 21cm which makes 24 squares. I'm sure something of a similar size would be just fine.

• I don't have any bake-o-glide - normal baking paper was perfectly ok.

• I don't have a processor (I do dream of one.....) I rubbed the ingredients by hand - a good tip is to grate your butter straight out of the fridge.

• Do be sure to press both layers of the shortbread down very firmly. And you don't want a mincemeat that's too runny. I use Lidl Deluxe Spiced Brandy Mincement which is ideal.

• It works wonderfully with alternative filings too - try chocolate spread, jam, lemon curd.

Full credit for this recipe goes to the fabulous Sarah Whitaker, aka the Aga Lady She has been very generous in allowing this bake to be shared far and wide. You can see it online on the Blake and Bull site. They are a top bunch too, I've bought some great Aga accessories from them - highly recommended.

Happy baking and happy weekend - let me know if they're a hit in your house!

Big love xxx

p.s Following yesterday's gas rant, we were delighted when the folk from Avantigas rocked up just after 8am this morning so we're back in action. Makes you really appreciate the luxuries and privileges that we are blessed with on a daily basis. We do take our heating, hot water and cooking facilities for granted. Many aren't so lucky.

Christmas Shortbread in Aga Range Cooker Recipe

This recipe makes 24 pieces and can be prepared in advance and frozen if need be

Ingredients...

• 12 oz (325g) plain flour

• 8 oz (225g) butter

• 4 oz (110g) caster sugar

• A pinch of salt

• 1 jar (340g) mincemeat

• Icing sugar to finish

Line a small roasting tin with Bake-O-Glide™.

Put the flour, sugar, salt and butter into a processor and whiz until the consistency of sand. Tip about half of this into the tin and press down firmly – use the bottom of a tumbler or your hand!

Spread the mincemeat over the tin, then tip on the rest of the shortbread mix. Spread over and press down.

In 3, 4 and 5 oven Aga range cooker...

Hang the tin from the third set of runners in the baking oven.

In 2 oven Aga range cooker...

Set the tin into the large roasting tin and hang that from the lowest runners in roasting oven – and slide the cold plain shelf 2 runners above.