Mama H's Cranberry White Chocolate Bars

Mama H loves me and she doesn't even know it. First she gave me my favorite, and what I think is the best, banana bread recipe and then she gives me this! I did end up adding a small amount of orange zest to bring together the tart of the berries with the sweet of the bar and some fresh nutmeg with makes them not spiced, but brings a seasonal warmth. So thank you Colleen and for your awesome mama with the best recipes ever. I hope I do them justice.

If you liked those apple spice cookie bars you are going to LOVE these! They are nice and sweet, but the fresh tart cranberries and the smooth white chocolate make these bars addictive and ready to serve. Right in time for the impending holiday season. Bring these to any event or eat them on your own. You won't regret it!


Cranberry White Chocolate Bars
Mama H

Ingredients
1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1 1/2 c. flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
zest of 1/2 orange
1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 c. dried or fresh cranberries
1/2 c. white chocolate chips

Directions:
-Preheat to 350 degrees and line an 11 x 7 pan with foil, coating with cooking spray.
-In medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, zest, nutmeg and set aside.
-In bowl of stand mixer, beat butter and sugar on high until soft and light in color, about 3 minutes.
-Turn mixer to low and beat in eggs, one at a time, and then vanilla until thoroughly combined.
-Slowly incorporate flour mixture.
-Remove from stand mixer and stir in cranberries and white chocolate.
-Spread batter in pan (it's thick so use a spatula and be sure to remove all air bubbles).
-Bake 25 - 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
-Cool on rack for 1 hours.
-Remove from pan and cut into bars.

Try not to eat the whole pan. :)