Lemon-Prune Bars

Macedonian Lemon-Prune Bars with Walnuts and Rolled Oats

Region / culture: Macedonia | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Lemon-Prune Bars are a delightful and unique dessert that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with the sweet and chewy texture of prunes. These bars are perfect for a sweet treat or a light snack.

History

The origins of Lemon-Prune Bars are not entirely clear, but it is believed that this recipe has been passed down through generations of home cooks. The combination of lemon and prunes creates a delicious and unexpected flavor profile that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

1 (6 oz (170 g) can) of thawed frozen lemonade concentrate
0.5 cup of sugar
1 cup of snipped pitted dried prunes
2 tbsp of flour
a pinch of salt
0.25 cup of chopped walnuts
0.5 cup of soft shortening
0.5 cup of uncooked rolled oats
1 cup of sifted all-purpose flour
0.5 cup of packed brown sugar

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a saucepan, combine the lemonade concentrate with enough water to make 1 cup.
Simmer the lemonade mixture with prunes until the prunes are soft, about 5 minutes.
Add granulated sugar, 2 tbsp of flour, salt, and nuts to the saucepan.
Cook and stir the mixture until it thickens, about 8 minutes. Allow it to cool.
Meanwhile, cream the shortening and then add oats, 1 cup of flour, and brown sugar. Mix until crumbly.
Press half of this crumb mixture into the bottom of an 8 x 8-inch pan.
Spread the cooled prune mixture over the crumb base, and then sprinkle the remaining crumbs on top.
Bake for approximately 30 minutes.
Once baked, cut into bars.

Variations

Substitute dried apricots or figs for the prunes for a different flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumb mixture for a warm and spicy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the lemonade concentrate with enough water to make 1 cup for the perfect balance of flavors.

- Cooking the prune mixture until it thickens is essential for the right consistency of the filling.

- Pressing half of the crumb mixture into the pan creates a sturdy base for the bars.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into them to ensure clean and neat slices.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Lemon-Prune Bars as a sweet ending to a meal or as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the lemonade concentrate with prunes creates a flavorful filling.

- Pressing the crumb mixture into the pan ensures a sturdy base for the bars.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use margarine or butter instead of shortening for a richer flavor.

- Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Lemon-Prune Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lemon-Prune Bars on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Lemon-Prune Bars with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of hot tea for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Lemon-Prune Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lemon-Prune Bars contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lemon-Prune Bars contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lemon-Prune Bars contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Lemon-Prune Bars contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Lemon-Prune Bars are a good source of vitamin C from the lemonade concentrate and prunes. Prunes also provide essential minerals such as potassium and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and wheat (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Lemon-Prune Bars are a delicious and satisfying dessert that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They also offer essential vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious treat.

Summary

Lemon-Prune Bars are a delicious and unique dessert that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with the sweet and chewy texture of prunes. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals, these bars are a nutritious and satisfying treat. Enjoy them as a sweet ending to a meal or as a snack any time of day.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to visit my dear friend Amelia, who was known for her delicious baked goods. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats.

Amelia was bustling around the kitchen, pulling out ingredients and measuring them with precision. I watched in awe as she effortlessly whipped up a batch of lemon-prune bars. The combination of tangy lemon and sweet prunes intrigued me, and I knew I had to learn the recipe.

I sat at the kitchen table, eagerly taking notes as Amelia shared the recipe with me. She explained that the key to the perfect lemon-prune bars was using fresh ingredients and taking your time to let the flavors meld together. As she mixed the batter, I could see the passion and love she put into her baking.

After a few hours of baking and chatting, the lemon-prune bars were finally ready. The smell that wafted from the oven was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into one of the bars. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of flavors - the zesty lemon, the sweet prunes, and the buttery crust all came together in perfect harmony.

From that moment on, I knew that the recipe for lemon-prune bars would become a staple in my own kitchen. I practiced making the bars over and over again, tweaking the recipe here and there until I perfected it to my own liking. Each time I baked a batch of lemon-prune bars, the memories of that day in Amelia's kitchen would come flooding back to me.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all raved about the unique combination of flavors in the lemon-prune bars. It became a tradition to bake a batch of bars for special occasions, and I always made sure to include a handwritten copy of the recipe for anyone who asked.

As I grew older, my love for baking only deepened, and I found solace in the familiar routine of measuring, mixing, and baking. The lemon-prune bars became a symbol of my passion for cooking and my desire to share that passion with others.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of cinnamon and vanilla, I can't help but smile as I pull out the worn recipe card for lemon-prune bars. The memories of learning the recipe from Amelia all those years ago will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the joy that cooking and baking can bring.

And so, I continue to bake my beloved lemon-prune bars, sharing them with loved ones and passing on the recipe to anyone who wants to experience the magic of tangy lemon and sweet prunes in a buttery crust. The tradition lives on, a testament to the power of good food and cherished memories.