Wednesday, December 2, 2009

23 Days Till Christmas

Hey guys!

Minnesota decided to dump our first snow of the season last night. About 2 inches—how did I know we definitely would have a white Christmas? As long as the temps don’t dip to –30 like last winter, I can deal.

Did you enter my holiday photo contest yet?! The box of goodies is getting bigger—I can’t wait to give it away. I wish I could give all of you gifts =)

First matter of business—if you’re looking for some holiday-themed treats to bake up this year, check out my favorites that I made last year:

Top 10 of 2008

Those were the top 10 I picked last year and this year my top 10 will be unveiled starting December 15thget excited!

Also my gift guide (last years is still here) & holiday tips will be crammed in somewhere as well! :-)

Why do grocery stores around here not have fresh cranberries?? I went on a wild goose chase all over town trying to find some for these bars, and at my last stop I found them! If you like tart berries paired with a sweet pound cake, this fits the bill! However, it didn’t photograph well at all. “Santa please bring me a fancy shmancy camera—thanks!”

Cranberry-Cherry Pound Cake Bars

Cran

Makes 2 dozen bars

 Ingredients:

Crust:

  • 3/4 c butter or margarine, softened
  • 1/2 c granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 1/2 all-purpose flour

Cake:

  • 1/2 c butter or margarine, softened
  • 1 c granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 2/3 c all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 c cranberry juice (I used light)
  • 1/4 c whipping cream
  • 1 bag (5 oz) dried cherries (1 cup)
  • 1 c sweetened dried cranberries

Glaze:

  • 1 c powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp cranberry juice

Directions:

  • Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly spray 9 x 13’ pan with cooking spray. In medium bowl beat all crust ingredients with electric mixer on medium until well blended. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan.
  • In large bowl, beat 1/2 c butter, 1 c granulated sugar, and almond extract on medium until well blended. Beat in eggs until creamy. On low speed, beat in 1 2/3 c flour, the baking powder and soda, the cranberry juice, and cream. Fold in cranberries and cherries. Spread over crust.
  • Bake 45-50 min until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely.
  • Beat glaze ingredients with wire whisk until smooth—drizzle over bars.
  • Cut into 6 rows by 4 rows and serve.

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7 comments:

ChocolateCoveredVegan said...

Ooh the bars sound yummy!

Sophia said...

Whoa! Snow already? That's crazy! And 2 whole inches! I'm so glad I'm not in Minnesota! But I suppose you're used to this kind of weather. Boy, 30 is just...unimaginable.

Can you tell I'm a total wimp when it comes to winter? lol.

Oh well. Winter treats like these makes it all better!! :D

Erica said...

Hooray for holiday treats! I can't wait to do some more baking. No fresh cranberries? Thats craziness. I plan to pick some up this weekend because there was no cranberry sauce at my t giving dinner and I'm craving some!

Krista said...

I love cranberries in baking. The tartness works well to offset the sweet, no? ;)

I'll be putting my tree up this weekend and will get a picture to you for sure!!

Jenny said...

I love how you are embracing the flavors of the holiday season. Keep the festive recipes coming! :)

Kerstin said...

What a great list! I can't wait to see your top 10 this year!

Your pound cake bars sound amazing!

Nicole, RD said...

Hi! I just found your blog and look forward to following. That new cranberry bar recipe looks goooooood!! I am glad you posted your 2008 top 10 as I am getting ready to start my holiday baking today and was on the prowl for tried and true cookie favorites! Thank you!

P.S. The only place I could find fresh cranberries in my town was WalMart. :-/

P.P.S. Going to check out your holiday photo competition now!