With Christmas around the corner, I've been looking for special dessert ideas.
These Gingerbread Spice Bars from The 250 Best Brownies Bars & Squares (Robert Rose Inc., September 2013, $19.95) are wonderful for the holidays. Besides having an aroma good enough to please St. Nick, these cinnamon-, ginger- and clove-laced treats are really easy to make. You simply mix the ingredients (you'll need two bowls), pour the batter into an oblong pan, bake, slice and enjoy.
We adore them served warm topped with a dab of butter. A blazing fire and steaming-hot coffee are optional!
Preheat oven to 350° F (180° C)
13- x 9-inch cake pan, greased
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flourIn a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, salt and cloves.
In another bowl, beat shortening and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until incorporated. Beat in molasses. Gradually blend in flour mixture alternately with boiling water until just incorporated. Pour into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Place pan on a rack to cool completely, then cut into bars.
Author: Esther Brody
Other Works: The 250 Best Muffin Recipes, 500 Best Muffin Recipes, 1500 Best Bars and more
Publisher: Robert Rose Inc.
Penned: September 2013
What's Inside: A collection of taste-tempting dessert recipes that are easy to make. You'll find 32 brownie variations (everything from basic chocolate to Broadway Blondies) plus 100s of chocolate, coconut, fruit, nut and peanut butter bar and square ideas. There's even a chapter devoted to no-bake creations (like Ice Cream Peanut Crispies) that could be lifesavers when you're time crunched.
Time Out: 208 pages
Available: $19.95 at Amazon and most book retailers
In the mood for something sweet? You'll also enjoy:
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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