Cranberry Orange Bars with Almonds

   

The orange and cranberry add a fresh twist

to this variation of Butter Tart Bars.

Base:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Topping:

• 1-2 cups Dried cranberries, slightly chopped
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla 
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• zest from one orange
• 3/4 - 1 cup whole, unblanched almonds, coarsely chopped

1. For the base, cut butter into flour and sugar until crumbly.
2. Press into 15 x10 inch pan.
3. Bake for 15 minutes at 350degrees.
4. Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped cranberries over crust.
5. For Topping, place all ingredients except almonds in a bowl.
6. Beat with a spoon until well blended.
7. Pour over base and sprinkle with chopped almonds.
8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 350 degrees.
9. Let cool for 10 minutes and then cut while still warm with a knife or bench scraper dipped in hot water.

These bars freeze very well.