Real Seasonal Eating: Cranberry Bars

In the heart of winter, when the world outside seems to be sleeping under a blanket of snow, there’s a burst of bright red and vibrant flavor that keeps our spirits high: cranberries. We embrace the joy of seasonal eating with these delightful cranberry bars, perfect for these chilly months.

Eating seasonally is not just a trend; it’s a lifestyle that brings us closer to nature and our community. It teaches us to appreciate the rhythms of the seasons and to savor what each one offers. In winter, cranberries are more than just a holiday tradition; they’re a testament to nature’s resilience and abundance, even in the coldest months.

We’re fortunate to source our cranberries locally, supporting the hardworking farmers at Mingo’s who brave the frost to bring us these tart little jewels. There’s something incredibly satisfying about knowing where your food comes from and understanding the effort that goes into growing it. This connection to our local farmers and our land adds an extra layer of warmth to every meal.

Our cranberry bars are a celebration of these efforts and the beauty of winter’s bounty. It’s simple yet bursting with flavor, a sweet reminder of the importance of eating with the seasons.

Cranberry Bars

Ingredients:

For the Cranberry Filling:

• 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange

For the Crust and Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Cranberry Filling:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Crust and Topping:
   • In a large bowl, mix together flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture is crumbly.
   • Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a firm base.
4. Assemble the Bars:
   • Spread the cranberry filling evenly over the crust.
   • Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the cranberry layer.
5. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out and cut them into squares.

These cranberry bars are a delightful blend of tart and sweet, with a texture that’s both chewy and crisp.

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