Thursday, November 27, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving!

I know all you cooking bloggers out there will have had a busy old time today, but I hope it’s been a happy one, and that you are now stuffed with turkey and snoozing on the sofa.

I am often asked what we do in England at Thanksgiving. My answer is always the same – nothing, because we have bugger all to be thankful for in England. Only joking folks. :-) Personally, I think I won the lottery of life being born British. But, Thanksgiving is all about Pilgrims in a new land, many of whom were escaping what they perceived as religious persecution/intolerance in Britain, and the festival, therefore, has no place in British culture.

Anyway, I have a few reasons to be thankful right now. My right arm is finally mending. Most of the bite marks healed up after about a week, but there was one that just would not heal. It was so bad that I feared Alvin had done lasting damage. Yet, after a month of ministrations from nurse Mick, I now have full use of my arm again. Also, the insurance company are going to cough up the money to repair our car. Hooray!

I also have lots of other reasons to be thankful. I have a wonderful hubby, three fine boys (my cats), a great family, and many good friends. And last, but most definitely not least, thanks to you folks who take the time and trouble to come and read my blog, I appreciate it more than you will ever know.

It being Thanksgiving, I actually donned my baker’s hat. I know!!!!! Stands back in amazement, Jan has actually baked a cake. These cranberry walnut bars are a firm favorite in our house, and get wheeled out every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our neighbors get these every year for their Christmas box. One year I tried giving them something different, and they all wanted to know what happened to the cranberry and walnut bars. Oh hum!

The original recipe came from a lady I knew in California. On this occasion, I made two cakes and Mick took one to work. His co-workers loved them, and he said he could get me a few commissions if I was interested. I don’t think so. After all, I am the reluctant
cook. ;-)

On a little side note. I know a few of you have expressed an interest in the Zen Spoonmaster’s cooking utensils, but it seems they have now disappeared from their web site. When I checked it out, I noticed that they have updated the site, and I have e-mailed Jan Meng to find out what’s happened to the spoons. I’m sure it’s just a temporary glitch, and I’ll get back to you about it as soon as I hear.

Meanwhile, on with the show.

Cranberry and Walnut Bars







Ingredients:

2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup butter, melted
1¼ cups fresh cranberries
½ cup chopped walnuts

Directions:
  • Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
  • Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with a little butter.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs until thickened.
  • Gradually add sugar, beating until blended.
  • Stir in flour and melted butter.
  • Add cranberries and walnuts, mixing gently until combined.
  • Spread evenly in pan, and bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool and cut into bars.



14 comments:

Jersey Girl Cooks said...

The bars look scrumptious. Glad your arm is better. Happy Thanksgiving.

Jennifer said...

So glad the arm is better, and those bars, I need to make them, they look delish!

Lakeland Jo said...

I wish I lived nearer. I could pop around and have a cranberry and walnut bar and a coffee, and you can tell me all about Thanksgiving! Glad your arm is better- hurray

DeniseinVA said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeniseinVA said...

Hi Jan, that sounds sooooooo good! It's on my list. I am glad to hear that your arm is getting back to normal. What a heck of a time you have had. Happy Thanksgiving one day later by the way. I also found your question about where were we going this Christmas. On the 17th of December - our wedding anniversary to be precise - we are flying to Hawaii with Gregg's Dad and wife. We will be back on the 31st.

Continue to heal and I will keep checking back to see how you are doing. Glad the insurance are doing the right thing over your car too.

That was me with the deleted comment by the way. I really should preview my messages before pushing that button - too many typo's :( Have a great weekend.

Pam said...

Oh Jan, I am so glad you are feeling better. The bars look fantastic...I love cranberries and walnuts.

test it comm said...

What a nice and simple recipe. The bars look really good!

Maria said...

I can't wait to make the cranberry bars. They look terrific!

Brittany said...

Oh yum....I love cranberies!

Emily said...

Holy cow! Those bars look amazing.

I'm glad you're feeling better.

Jason said...

I think I want to be your neighbor this year, these look really good, what a great recipe! I just might have to give these a whirl, I'm book marking this recipe.

nicole said...

Those look so good. My husband would love them. I'm glad you arm is better.

The Blonde Duck said...

The cranberry bars look tasty! I'm happy you feel better!

Anonymous said...

Yum! Looks delicious. I love the combination. Glad you are on the mend.