I have to admit, I had a hard time getting into the spirit of Christmas this week. Besides the obvious fact that we are currently surrounded by Halloween, it just wasn’t coming to me.
After the car and computer troubles of this past weekend, I kind of lost my mojo for a few days. Sure, I was baking and cooking every day this week. But not for fun. No, it was out of necessity–and that tends to sap the spirit right out of it.
While I found myself broadening my horizons a bit, making the most of what’s left in the pantry and refrigerator after car repairs robbed required this week’s grocery money, I just didn’t feel like sharing it with anyone. This is survival folks. Alright, that’s a bit dramatic. But it certainly didn’t carry the fun and fancy-free feeling of throwing something in the oven just for the heck of it. It lacked the usual decadence–extravagance–which is probably a good thing. There’s been a bit much of that around here lately. But it just didn’t feel right for public perusal either
Why? Mainly because I didn’t want anyone to know at first that it was, in fact, one of those tough weeks. Like there’s some sort of scarlet P that will be pinned to my breast if I reveal that we are slipping lower and lower from the so-called “middle class” with each catastrophe that strikes.
But that’s silly. Because this is real life. And many other people are struggling just as much as we are–and many more are facing worse.
Yes, it was a less than ideal week. But at the end of it, we will still have so many blessings, including food in the cabinets. Staples that provide opportunities not available to all. I was embarrassed, but there is no need to be. There is much for which I am grateful.
In hopes that the next week will be better, I am thus offering you Week 3 of the 12 Weeks of Christmas Cookies & Sweets: Chocolate Cinnamon Bars. These are an old family favorite, on the platter every year at my father’s family’s Christmas celebration. Usually, my mom bakes them. This time, it’s my turn.
Good ole family traditions and the holidays. We’ll get through this together. Because that’s what the spirit of Christmas is all about, after all.
- ½ cup (8 Tbsp) unsalted butter
- ½ cup Spectrum organic shortening
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk (reserving the white for the topping)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 large egg white (reserved from earlier in the recipe), lightly beaten
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped roughly
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease and line a 9″x13″ baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Cream together the butter and shortening.
- Add the egg and egg yolk, beating until well incorporated.
- Beat in the sugar and cinnamon.
- Add the flour, salt, and baking powder, mixing until just incorporated.
- With a silicone spatula, spread the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. It will be sticky. Just be patient.
- Brush all of the egg white over the top of the mixture.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, walnuts, and semi-sweet chocolate chips for the topping. Sprinkle evenly over the bars.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned. Be careful not to overbake!
- Cool completely before removing from pan and cutting. This is very important! They will fall apart if you are not patient.
What has everyone else made this week? Check out what they’re offering in Christmas spirit!
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17 comments
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Mary @ Bites and Bliss
13 October, 2011 at 2:32 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m all for ANYTHING with chocolate and cinnamon in it- yum!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss recently posted..12 Weeks of Christmas Cookies: Brownie Bites
The Poet Herself
13 October, 2011 at 4:40 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Once you eat one, you can’t stop either!
BreAna {Sugar & Spice & All Things Iced}
13 October, 2011 at 6:01 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
These bars look fabulous! I love tried and true recipes that are made year after year. Thanks for passing along this recipe. I hope next week goes better for you. Thanks for stopping by my blog! It made my day!!
BreAna {Sugar & Spice & All Things Iced} recently posted..Apple Pie Cookies
Kita
13 October, 2011 at 9:11 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Seems like one can never catch a break when we need it these days. These cinnamon bars look like they would perk me up for a few moments while I took a little break from the real world though.
Kita recently posted..Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies
The Poet Herself
13 October, 2011 at 9:42 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
No kidding, huh? At least these cookies are a delicious distraction.
Cara
13 October, 2011 at 9:38 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
What a fabulous combination! I bet my boys would LOVE these!
Cara recently posted..Stuffed Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookies
Trisha
13 October, 2011 at 10:51 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Sometimes its hard to look for the silver lining, but you gotta trust that it is out there! Here’s to better days ahead! These bars look fantastic. I’ve saved them to try out soon!
Trisha recently posted..Week 3 of 12WOCC – Triple Chocolate Brownies
Barbara | Creative Culinary
13 October, 2011 at 10:57 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I don’t have to wait til Christmas right…I want some now!
Barbara | Creative Culinary recently posted..Cream of Mushroom Soup with White Wine and Leeks
The Poet Herself
16 October, 2011 at 9:44 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
No need to wait–get to work!
Ali
14 October, 2011 at 2:09 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
The chocolate bars look stunningly delicious, wish I had them in my mouth instead of watching them from my screen
Ali recently posted..fudo finds friday: gourmet spice by craig’s market
The Poet Herself
16 October, 2011 at 9:44 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Guess you need to make them, then!
Helen
15 October, 2011 at 6:16 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
those look delisious!, thanks for visiting!
Helen recently posted..CHRISTMAS COOKIES WEEK 3
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes
15 October, 2011 at 10:16 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Looks like a decadent treat. So great that you had all the ingredients in the pantry. Wishing all good things are coming your way for the new year.
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes recently posted..Moo Shu Pork
The Poet Herself
16 October, 2011 at 9:43 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you!
Baker Street
16 October, 2011 at 9:38 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love bars and chocolate and cinnamon pair perfectly!
Baker Street recently posted..Silent Sunday: Whole Wheat Honey Pound Cake
The Poet Herself
16 October, 2011 at 9:43 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This is a fabulous combination, too. So delicious!
Tracy
20 October, 2011 at 10:31 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Awesome bars! And here’s hoping that the next week goes much better for you!
Tracy recently posted..Butterscotch, SunButter, and Coconut Bars