Raspberry Streusel Bars

Can you say yummy? This has been one of my favorite recipes to break out during the holidays. I could make this any time of the year, but this is the time that I think of these bars. They are delicious with hot tea and I like to cut them very small so they are just bite-sized. It's a recipe I cut out of a magazine years ago from a Fleishmann's margarine ad, although I use real butter (go figure).

Raspberry Streusel Bars

1-1/4 c. rolled oats
1-1/4 c. flour
1/2 c. packed light brown sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1-3/4 sticks butter, melted
1 c. red raspberry preserves
3/4 c. white chocolate chips, divided
1/4 c. sliced almonds, toasted and cooled

Preheat oven to 350. Mix together oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Add melted butter and blend until crumbly. Reserve one cup of this mixture as a topping. Press remaining in bottom of square pan (I use my Pampered Chef Square Baker, which is 9"x9"). Bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool slightly. Spread preserves over cooled crust within 1/4" of edge. Sprinkle 1/2 cup white chocolate chips over preserves. Mix almonds and remaining white chocolate chips with reserved topping. Sprinkle over preserves and press slightly. Bake 30-35 minutes until lightly browned. Cool completely. I usually cut mine into 36 squares.

Enjoy!

Let's get this started

I am a little behind on entering the land of blogs. Having been a lurker for years with "start my own blog" on a list of things I would like to do (shortly after learn to play guitar, sing a solo at church and go on a mission trip), I decided today is that day. I have no great revelations at this time. I have no idea what direction this will take. I need an outlet, a creative one. I need to learn something new, and let's be honest ... I have no clue how to tune the guitar. If I can conquer this, then I most certainly will conquer that. Next. In the meantime, a thought to get started . . .

A little cup of friendship
With a bag of tea
When you drink this
Think of love from me.
(source unknown)