Random Tidbits ~ Cranberry Apple Squares

The trees are now turning on our property.  This is a sign that I look for in terms of how much time I have to get winter prep done.

I think an oak or sugar maple tree would add some color here too. 

  I put this new picture up recently.  I love it.  

Yesterday we had dreary skies.  It was cold, damp and drizzly out.  Today we are having the same weather.  I woke up to get all the kids up, only to find out that the school has a scheduled 2 hour delay today.  

Today, my next oldest turns 18.  The big 18.  Sigh.  She doesn't want a birthday cake nor ice cream.  Nor streamers decorating the house in our normal tradition.  I told her she is too young to feel her birthday is not special.  Maybe I can convince her to request a special dinner this week, or something special.  I guess we'll see.  Sleeping in on her birthday has to be a treat in itself too.

A while back, Mom gifted us some cranberries, so I decided to make some fruit bars.   

Cranberry Apple Squares
(adapted using organic ingredients, homemade applesauce, and homemade vanilla extract)

1 1/2 all purpose flour, divided
1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
1/3  cup plus 3 Tbsp. unsweetened applesauce, divided
1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 Tbsp. butter
1 small apple, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup chopped cranberries (fresh or frozen)
2 eggs
1 tsp. lemon juice 
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. cinnamon

Heat oven to 350°F.  Place parchment paper in a 13 x 9 inch pan (or grease and flour it, or spray with non-stick spray).  

In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup apple sauce and baking powder.  Cut in butter with a pastry blender (or fork and knife) until blended.

In a larger bowl, combing apple, apricots, cranberries, remaining 3 tablespoons applesauce, eggs, lemon juice and vanilla.

In a small bowl, combing remaining sugar, 1/4 cup flour and cinnamon.  Add this to the fruit mixture.  Stir until blended.

Press 1/2 to 3/4ths of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.  Top with fruit mixture.  Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over top.   Bake 40 minutes or until lightly browned.  

Broil 1 to 2 minutes, 4 inches from heat until golden brown.  Cool on a wire rack.  

Yield:  16 servings. 

Note:  The crumb mixture is sticky, so I sometimes spread it out with my small rolling pin, and a piece of waxed paper in between.   This is a chewy, fruity bar.

After the fruit bars are cut and stored in a container, they become soft.  Almost like a cake.