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Heartwings Love Notes 801 - Cooking and Baking for the Holidays

Heartwings says, "If you cook and bake with love, the food tastes extra special."

Thanksgiving is on the horizon and Christmas and Hanukah are not far off. Many people cherish this opportunity to cook and bake special foods as well as to entertain family and friends. The season of celebration really does begin with Thanksgiving and run right through to New Year's Day. Toward that end I thought I would share two of my special holiday recipes with my readers.

This recipe is a great substitute for a traditional pecan pie. It is easier to make and just as good to eat: Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Bars. These look and taste much like a pecan pie though far easier to make. Preheat oven to 350, grease an 8X8 baking pan. Ingredients: 1st Layer, ½ cup soft butter, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 cup flour, 2nd Layer, 2 eggs, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, ¼ tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt, 1 cup whole or chopped pecans, 1 Tbs flour

Method: Cream butter and sugar well. Add flour and mix well for first layer. Pat into greased pan. Bake at 350 degrees 10 to 12 minutes or until golden. (325 for glass pan) Remove. Raise oven temperature to 375 (350 for glass pan). While first layer is baking, beat eggs. Add remaining ingredients and stir well. Take pan out of oven and pour mixtures over crust. Spread evenly and bake for 20 minutes more or until brown and firm. Cool and cut into bars.

This recipe is a bit more trouble to make, however they are so good you'll be glad you did: Boy Oh Boy Bars. Grease a 10X15 jellyroll pan and preheat oven to 325 degrees. Ingredients: Bottom layer: 1 cup butter, ½ cup backed brown sugar, ½ cup white sugar, 2 egg yolks, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt, 2 cups unbleached white flour. Topping: 2 egg whites, ½ tsp vanilla 1 cup brown sugar packed, 1 cup chocolate chips.

Method: In small electric mixer bowl, beat egg whites stiff. Beat in vanilla, then brown sugar, a tablespoon or so at a time. Fold in chips. Scrape beaters, set bowl aside and use large bowl for next step. Cream together butter and sugars, add yolks, vanilla, baking powder, salt, in that order. Beat well. Stir in flour to blend well. Spread in well greased pan, using a fork dipped in cold water to spread batter better. Swirl meringue over top and bake 25 to 35 minutes. Once bars have cooled, cut into 1 ½ to 2 inch squares, then you’ll know why they are called "Boy Oh Boy" bars.

May your holiday season be filled with joyous celebration and happy times.
 
 

I love to hear from readers and would be honored if you would comment and let me know any suggestions or thoughts. If a friend sent you this, you can sign up at my web site, www.heartwingslovenotes.com, where more love notes can be found in the archives.

Blessings and Best Regards,
Tasha Halpert
 

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