What You Need:

 

1 C of butter, room temperature

1 C of brown sugar, packed well

2 C quick cooking oats

1 1/2 C + 2 T of flour, divided

2 C dried cranberries

1 (8 oz.) container of sour cream

3/4 C of white sugar

1 egg, beaten slightly

1 T lemon peel, grated

1 t vanilla extract

 

How to Make It:

 

Allow the oven to preheat to 350 degrees.

Place the butter and brown sugar into a mixing bowl. 

Cream the mixture until lightly and fluffy.

Add in the oats and stir until well combined.

Stir in 1 1/2 C of flour until mixed in well and completely moistened.

Remove 1 1/2 C of the mixture and set aside.

Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 132X9 pan.

Bake 10 minutes until the crust turns a light golden brown.

Place the cranberries into a large bowl. 

Add the sour cream, sugar, egg, lemon peel and vanilla to the cranberries.

Stir in the remaining flour and continue mixing until all the ingredients are combined.

Spread the mixture evenly over the baked crust. 

Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top.

Bake an additional 20 minutes or until a golden brown on top.

Be sure to cool on a wire rack before cutting.

 

Makes 3 dozen

 

Preparation Time:  approximately 15 minutes

Baking Time:  approximately 30 minutes

Total Time:  approximately 45 minutes + cooling

 

These bars are a perfect dessert for that Christmas buffet.  If you are not fond of cranberries any dried fruit such as apricots or apples with work just as well.