Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble Bars

Rhubarb does not get the hype that she deserves. I am still new to the rhubarb world, and I am kicking myself for waiting so long. I made Claire Saffitz’s rhubarb loaf a few years ago, and I am so excited to bake with it again. With Memorial Day coming up, I needed a dessert to share with my family, and I figured you could never go wrong with a dessert bar. I found these rhubarb crumble bars from Molly’s Home Guide, which I changed a bit by adding lemon zest and almond slices! If you like tart over sweet, then these are the desserts for you!

Ingredients

  • 1¼ to 1½ cups rhubarb, cut into small pieces
  • 1¼ to 1½ cups strawberries, hulled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 Lemon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 12 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1⅔ cups plain flour
  • ¼ cup rolled oats
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional) – I used almonds

Let’s Get Baking

Preheat the oven to 375F

Line a 8×8 square pan with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the diced rhubarb + strawberries + cornstarch + lemon zest + lemon juice + cinnamon + vanilla extract + salt + brown sugar. Mix well and set aside.

Using a mixer, cream together the butter + brown sugar + white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Slowly add in the flour + oats + salt, mixing until incorporated.

Take 2/3 of the dough and place it into the prepared pan. Using your hands, press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan to create the crust.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fruit mixture into the pressed dough crust. Spread the fruit evenly over the crust.

Mix together the remaining dough mixture with almonds (or nuts of your choice if using). Spring the crumble over the fruit layer, gently pressing it into the fruit mixture.

Bake the bars for 35-40 minutes. The crumble on top should be golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before cutting.

Enjoy warm or keep in an airtight container in the fridge for about 5 days.

Made with Love,

Hannah

Cranberry Brie Bites

I love finger foods. They always look so appetizing. I know holiday parties are winding down, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring these bites to your next get-together, or make them for yourself and enjoy them on the couch.

Ingredients

  • Store-bought puff pastry
  • 1 14oz can Whole Cranberry Sauce
  • 1 Wheel of Brie, cut into cubes
  • Zest of half a orange
  • 1 TSP Cinnamon

Let’s Get Cooking

Preheat the oven to 400F

Pour the cranberry sauce into a bowl and add in orange zest + cinnamon and stir.

Cut the puff pastry into squares, about 4×4 in, and place into muffin tins.

Place one of the brie cubes into the pastry and top with the cranberry sauce.

Bake for about 20-25 minutes and enjoy!

Made with Love,

Hannah

Latkes/Potato Pancakes

The holidays are the perfect time to learn about different cultures. My favorite way to immerse myself in a new culture is through their food. It is currently Hanukkah and Latkes are a staple during this holiday. My knowledge of potato pancakes comes from German Festivals and from The Pierogi Lady here in the Cleveland area. I learned from Wade Wichard through Yourstory.org that Latkes symbolize the oil of the menorah that was able to stay aflame for 8 days following the ransacking of the Second Temple of Jerusalem. Those these are just delicious and crispy potato pancakes, they mean a lot more to individuals of the Jewish faith, stating that they symbolize the hardships and strife that the Jews have faced (Wichard, n.d.). Serve these latkes up hot with sour cream and applesauce.

Ingredients

Makes 8 Latkes

  • 4 Small Potatoes
  • 4 TBSP Flour
  • 1 Egg
  • 2 Cloves Garlic
  • 1/4 Cup Onion, finely diced
  • Salt + Pepper
  • Vegetable Oil

Let’s Get Cooking

Shred your potatoes with a cheese grater or whatever you have. Once grated, lay the potatoes on paper towels and dab them to get the excess moisture out.

In a bowl combine the shredded potato + onion + garlic + egg + flour + salt + pepper and mix well.

Heat your oil in a pan, you want a thin layer of oil, no more than an inch.

Once the oil is hot, add in a spoonful of the potato mixture, pressing it down gently with the back of the spoon to flatten it. Cook about 4 minutes on each side, or until crispy golden brown.

Remove from oil to a plate with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt immediately.

Serve with sour cream & applesauce.

Happy Hanukkah

Made with Love,

Hannah