235. Recipe in Rhyme 4: Santa Slice!

I have just returned from a delightful afternoon spent at Jane's with friends. I took along a slice and people liked it! As I've said before, I'm no Domestic Goddess, so I was thrilled to be asked for the recipe.

(SUNDAY SCRIBBLINGS and SIMPLY SNICKERS below.)

SANTA SLICE!

When Barbara asked for my recipe

I simply glowed with pride!

When cooking prowess is mentioned  

I usually run and hide!

But I must make one admission!

This recipe isn't all mine.

I filched it from another;

The delightful Caroline.

However, she called it Fruit Slice,

Which I thought rather bland.

Santa Slice has a ring to it

So I hope she'll understand.

So, here goes, you need a tray

Designed for the average slice.

Spray a little oil on it;

A quick squirt will suffice.

Heat your oven at the start,

Try 180 degrees,

(It's always tricky making rhymes

Of technical things like these!)

I cup coconut, one cup flour,

And one cup sugar, brown.

Mix with melted butter,

Then in your slice tin press it down.

Cook for just ten minutes

While you prepare the topping,

You'll easily get it done in time

If you work hard without stopping.

Melt butter, sugar and syrup

Gently till they blend,

Also mix flour, fruit and sherry.

(You're getting near the end.)

Now combine the two blends,

(Ah! What a lovely smell!)

That little whiff of sherry

Seems to cast a festive spell!

Take your slice tray from the oven

And spread the topping neatly.

Return for fifteen minutes.

It should be cooked completely.

When it's cool you must slice it,

And place it on a plate

And all the 'girls' at the party

Will say 'Wow! That was great!'

Ingredients

BASE 1 cup coconut, 1 cup self-raising flour, 1 cup of brown sugar 125 grams butter.
TOPPING 30 grams butter, 200 grams mixed fruit, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Golden Syrup, 1/4 cup self-raising flour, 3/4 cup almond flakes, 1/4 cup sherry or brandy.