Cranberry Orange Bars...

Happy Monday! How excited are you for Thanksgiving? I'm stoked, and even more excited for Christmas. This past weekend set the "holiday" tone for me. I work at a restaurant at the airport and we were crazy busy, everyone going to see their families put me in the holiday spirit.

Just as promised another quick recipe before Turkey Day. These are a snap to put together, you can use a stand mixer or by hand if you choose. Today I had no choice but to make them by hand because I was at Boo's house, and his kitchen is lacking all the equipment that I'm used to. Its nice to actually get your hands in there and feel the product coming together.

This recipe will carry you through the rest of the holiday season as well, great to bring along to a party. I shared these with coworkers and received many compliments. Perfectly tart with sweet, buttery crumbly topping. These might make it into my annual cookie tins.

Cranberry Orange Bars

adapted from this recipe, HERE

makes 9x13 pan

Preheat oven to 350ºF 

Dough:

3 Cups All Purpose Flour

1 teaspoon Baking Powder

1 Cup Sugar

1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt

Zest of 1 Orange

8 Ounces cold Butter, cubed

1 egg

1 teaspoon Vanilla

2 Tablespoons- 1/4 Cup Cold Water

Mix all dry ingredients and orange zest together, cut in butter until resembles course "meal".

Mix in egg and vanilla.

Add water starting with 2 Tablespoons adding more if needed until dough comes together.

Press 1/2 of dough mixture into parchment lined 9x13 baking dish.

Prepare filling.

Filling:

1-12 Ounce bag Fresh Cranberries

3/4 Cup Sugar

2 Tablespoons Corn Starch

Juice of 1 Orange

Combine all ingredients thoroughly and spread onto dough in a single layer.

Press down on cranberries.

Top with remaining dough mixture, covering entire surface.

Bake for 30-40 minutes, until lightly golden brown.

Chill and cut into desired size.

Stores well in air tight container or Ziploc bag.