Hello again! (And Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Bars)

Have you missed me? So, I guess I'm not so good at this blogging thing. You really have to commit to keep up with it! So, sorry, I am a slacker. But on the upside, I have a YUMMY recipe :)

Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Bars (oh my goodness-- can it really have all that yummy goodness in it, yes and YES they are pretty stinking amazing).

Cranberry White Chocolate Bars (slightly adapted from Glorious Treats recipe)

2 sticks unsalted butter (slightly softened)

1 1/4 cups brown sugar

3 eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

2 teaspoons fresh orange zest

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon powdered ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 cup dried, sweetened cranberries, chopped

6 ounces (about 3/4 cup) white chocolate chips

Frosting

4 ounces cream cheese (softened)

2 Tablespoons butter

2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon orange extract

1/2 cup dried, sweetened cranberries, chopped

2 ounces white chocolate, melted

Directions:

1.)  Preheat oven to 350 (F) degrees.  Grease or spray a 9 x 13 pan then set aside (For the first time I actually used parchment to line the pan, having left some hanging over the two long sides- and it allowed me to easily pull bars out of the pan.)

2.)  In a medium bowl add the flour, powdered ginger, salt, baking soda and baking powder.  Set aside.

3.)  In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until smooth.  Add eggs, vanilla, and orange zest and mix well.  Gradually add the flour mixture and blend until combined.

4.)  Stir in cranberries and white chocolate.  Pour the batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. 

5.)  Bake 25-30 minutes, until edges are light brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6.)  Assemble dessert by spreading the frosting onto the baked and cooled bars.  Sprinkle additional cranberries on top.  Drizzle melted white chocolate on top as desired. 

Frosting:

Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.  Add the powdered sugar, vanilla and orange extract.  Beat about 1 minute until fully incorporated. 

Sorry, this is the ONLY picture I have of finished product (P.S. thanks Jessica!!) Check out Glory's awesome pics to see other ways to cut 'em.