Cranberry Bars

This was the winning recipe from the cookie fest at AI today! its amazing delish and so festive looking! Adtionally I think you could use apricot preserves in replacement of the cranberry *GOO* or raspberry or ever strawberry preserves as a nice change to cranberry


Holiday Cranberry Bars:

Makes about 16 big bars

Cranberry "goo"
- 1 and 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
and the zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Crunchy bottom and top
- 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups old fashioned oats
- 2 cups regular white flour
- 1/2 tsp salt

Directions:

Dough: In large saucepan, mix granulated sugar, juice, zest, and water. Bring to a boil, then stir in remaining "goo" ingredients. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes or until thickened. Cool. While "goo" cools, heat oven to 400 degrees.

Crunchy Coating: In large bowl, mix brown sugar and butter. Stir in remaining 'crunchy bottom and top' ingredients until crumbly. Line 13x9 inch glass baking pan with foil. Press half the crunchy mixture into the bottom of pan - build up the sides a little bit so the "dough goo" doesn't stick to foil. Cover evenly with "goo dough". Top with remaining crunchy mixture and press lightly. Bake at 400 degrees for about 25 minutes or until light brown. Cut into bars while still warm. Enjoy!