Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Cherry Oatmeal Crunch Squares

(Adapted slightly from the Essentials of Baking)

1 3/4 cups ap flour
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup butter, cold and cut into pieces
1 cup/10-oz cherry jam or non-chunky preserves

Preheat the over to 325F and grease a 9-inch square baking pan.


In the food processor, combine flour, oats, sugar, salt and cinnamon. Pulse to combine. I was too lazy (again) to pull out the food processor so I figured I'd use the pastry cutter.


Add butter and pluse 8-10 times, or until the mixture forms large, coarse crumbs. Set aside 2 cups of this mixture. Grubby little toddler hands wanting in on some baking action.


Pour remaining crumb mixture into prepared pan and pack firmly against the bottom and 1-inch up the sides of the pan.


Stir jam to loosen, then spread evenly onto this layer. I used what leftover jam we had in the fridge so we have the blueberries and peaches combination.


Top with reserved crumb mixture.


Bake for 50-55 minutes, until bars are a light, golden brown.
Allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack, then cut into squares. Store in an airtight container.
Makes 25.

Posted by Maria @ 11:25 AM :: (3) comments

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Christmas Present



Mike gave me this new gadget for Christmas. I'm usually against getting another kitchen appliance 'cause I do not like how it clutters the kitchen.

But, this got me so excited because it would save me so much in prep time. I love that it is compact. I have a food processor which I've used only once because I hate taking it out of the cupboards.




Most wonderful feature? The retractable cord. I think I'm going to use this almost daily.

Posted by Maria @ 3:04 PM :: (0) comments

Friday, January 04, 2008

New Year

An attempt to a healthy start in 2008. Broiled red snapper with herbs and vegetables.

I felt light and springy the next morning. Hoping to add more fish in our diet.

Posted by Maria @ 1:12 PM :: (0) comments

Thursday, January 03, 2008

2008 Resolution

I did it, I was able to do my 2007 food blogging resolution! Most of my posts were late but at least I held on to making something new once a month.

For 2008, I will stick to the same resolution (maybe do even more than one recipe per month) but I will start peppering my posts with step-by-step pictures just to make things more interesting around here.

Happy New Year!

Posted by Maria @ 10:43 PM :: (3) comments