Shelly's Recipe

APPLE CRANBERRY BARS

Category: Bars

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
2 tsp orange peel, grated
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups peeled apples, chopped
1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen coarsely chopped
1 cup chopped nuts

Orange Butter Cream
1/3 cup butter, softened
3 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups confectioners sugar
1 tsp orange peel, grated
2 to 4 tsp milk

Preheat oven to 350; grease a jelly roll pan. In a large mixer bowl, combine the sugar, butter, eggs, orange peel and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed, scraping the bowl often, for 2 to 3 minutes until well mixed. Reduce the speed to low; add the flour, baking soda and salt. Continue beating, scraping the bowl often, for 1 to 2 minutes until well mixed.

By hand, stir in the apples, cranberries and nuts. Spread in the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.

In a small mixer bowl, combine the butter, cream cheese and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed, scraping the bowl often, for 1 to 2 minutes until well mixed. Reduce the speed to low. Continue beating, gradually adding the confectioners sugar, orange peel and enough milk for desired spreading consistency. Thinly frost the cooled bars; cut into bars.