Promise me that I am not the only one who makes baking decisions based on not wanting to go to the grocery store. A game that I often play with myself is, “What Can I Bake With What I Have?” Now granted, since cooking is my business, I have to fess up that my pantry and stockpile could last for days and days before I would “have” to go to the market, but never-the-less, I enjoy the challenge of creating recipes with what is on hand.
I needed to bake a sweet treat for a friend in need and wanted to use some of those 45 jars of strawberry jam that I had processed earlier in the season and I did not want to make a trip to the grocery story for additional ingredients. Thus began the creation of Strawberry Shortbread Bars.
Easy to mix together with ingredients that you already have waiting to tumble off those pantry shelves. Any flavor of jam would shine like hidden jewels within the buttery crusts of the shortbread. Select your favorite.
If you have a friend in need or just want to surprise your family with a sweet treat, this recipe is the answer. I plan to pack these on our picnics this summer. The bars keep fresh for about 4 to 5 days in a sealed container or you can freeze them and have them ready for a celebration.
Strawberry Shortbread Bars
2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup chopped, toasted pecans
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup strawberry preserves
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8 or 9-inch baking pan with foil and spray with nonstick spray; set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, combine flour, sugar, pecans and butter until mixture is crumbly. Remove 2 cups of this mixture and set aside.
Pour the remainder crumb mixture into prepared pan and pat to form a crust. Layer strawberry preserves within 1/2 inch of crust edge. Sprinkle reserved mixture evenly over the top.
Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Allow to cool completely, then cut into bars.
I loved this…how many times I’ve said that my inspiration is simply what is in my fridge that HAS to be used!
These sound too easy Kathy…they just might be in the oven within moments…wanna come over and share some with a cup of coffee? 🙂
They are easy and taste wonderful. Yes, pour that coffee, and we will be right over. On second thought, instead of coffee, how about one of your wonderful cocktails?