Cranberry Chews

Cranberry Chews Recipe - Delicious Dessert from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 64 bars

Introduction

Cranberry Chews are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for the holiday season. These bars are filled with the tartness of cranberries, the sweetness of orange marmalade, and the crunch of walnuts. They are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself.

History

The origins of Cranberry Chews are not well-documented, but it is likely that they were created as a way to use up leftover cranberry sauce from holiday meals. The combination of cranberries, orange marmalade, and nuts creates a unique and flavorful bar that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

2.33 cups all-purpose flour (divided)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
0.5 tsp nutmeg
0.25 tsp cloves
0.5 tsp salt
1 cup cold butter, cut into 16 pieces
1.5 cups rolled oats
16 oz (454 g) whole berry cranberry sauce
0.5 cup thick orange marmalade
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Grease a 10x15 jellyroll pan (9x13 is also okay).
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
Stir in oats, reserving 1.5 cups of the mixture.
Firmly press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before filling.
In a medium bowl, stir together cranberry sauce, marmalade, and vanilla.
Slowly add the remaining 0.33 cup of flour, blending thoroughly.
Spread the mixture evenly over the baked and cooled crust.
Add nuts to the reserved oat mixture and sprinkle it over the top of the cranberry filling.
Bake for 30 minutes or until lightly browned.
Allow it to cool in the pan on a rack.
Cut into 64 bars.
Store in an airtight container for one week or freeze for longer storage.

Variations

Substitute dried cranberries for the whole cranberry sauce for a chewier texture.
Use different types of nuts, such as pecans or almonds, for a different flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a festive touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the oat mixture firmly into the pan to create a solid base for the bars.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares to ensure they hold their shape.

- Store the bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry Chews are perfect for serving at holiday parties, as a sweet treat with afternoon tea, or as a special dessert after dinner.

Cooking Techniques

Pressing the oat mixture firmly into the pan ensures a solid base for the bars.

- Slowly adding the flour to the cranberry mixture helps to create a smooth and even filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

- Substitute honey for the brown sugar for a different level of sweetness.

Make Ahead Tips

Cranberry Chews can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cranberry Chews on a festive platter with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for an extra special touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Cranberry Chews pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee, or a glass of sparkling wine for a special occasion.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Cranberry Chews in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage. To reheat, simply place in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cranberry Chews contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cranberry Chews contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cranberry Chews contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cranberry Chews contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cranberry Chews are a good source of vitamin C and manganese.

Alergens

Cranberry Chews contain nuts and wheat.

Summary

Cranberry Chews are a delicious treat that are relatively low in calories and provide a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats.

Summary

Cranberry Chews are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for the holiday season. With a combination of tart cranberries, sweet orange marmalade, and crunchy walnuts, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy them as a special treat for yourself or share them with friends and family.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was many moons ago, when I was just a young lass, eager to learn the ways of the kitchen from my mother. We were visiting some relatives in a rustic little town, nestled in the mountains. Aunt Mildred, a kind and gentle soul, took me under her wing and showed me the wonders of baking.

One brisk autumn day, as the leaves turned to fiery shades of red and orange, Aunt Mildred beckoned me into her cozy kitchen. She had a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she rummaged through her old recipe box, filled with weathered index cards and yellowed newspaper clippings. Finally, she pulled out a crinkled piece of paper and handed it to me with a smile.

"This, my dear, is a recipe for Cranberry Chews," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "It's a family favorite, passed down through generations. I think you'll enjoy making it."

I eagerly scanned the ingredients list – cranberries, oats, cinnamon, and sugar. It sounded like a delightful combination, one that I had never tried before. Aunt Mildred guided me through the steps, patiently explaining each one as we worked side by side in the warm kitchen.

As the sweet aroma of baking cinnamon filled the air, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The Cranberry Chews emerged from the oven, golden and crispy on the edges, soft and chewy in the middle. I took a tentative bite, savoring the tartness of the cranberries and the warmth of the spices. It was a revelation – a perfect balance of flavors and textures that danced on my tongue.

From that day on, Cranberry Chews became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made them for every family gathering, every holiday celebration. Each time, they were met with smiles and eager hands reaching for seconds. The recipe became a part of me, a reminder of that magical day in Aunt Mildred's kitchen.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding a touch of orange zest for brightness and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for crunch. But the essence of Cranberry Chews remains the same – a simple yet delicious treat that never fails to bring joy to those who taste it.

As I sit here now, in my own kitchen, surrounded by the comforting scents of cinnamon and sugar, I can't help but reflect on the journey that led me to this moment. Aunt Mildred may no longer be with us, but her legacy lives on in every batch of Cranberry Chews that I bake.

I like to think that she is watching over me, smiling down from her place among the stars. And as I take a bite of a freshly baked Cranberry Chew, I feel her presence beside me, guiding my hands and filling my heart with love.

So, my dear ones, whenever you crave a sweet and tangy treat to warm your soul, remember the story of how I learned to make Cranberry Chews. And know that love, like the flavors in this recipe, is a precious gift that can be shared and savored with every bite.