Cinnamon & Brown Sugar Bars
In a few short days, we’ll be boarding a plane that will whisk us away to the US. Back to the land of custard-filled cornbread, pumpkin pie and deep-fried pickles. Are we nervous about taking a 6-week-old on a 24+ hour trip halfway across the world? Actually, we haven’t really thought about it. Just kidding. But seriously, what good will worrying do? We’ll just pack 45 or so diapers and a few dozen extra onesies, and hope for the best.
One thing I wish I could bring? Some of these bars. Because though we can’t control turbulence, air pressure and that funky smell coming from the row behind, we can control our hunger. And I cannot be hungry on that plane. Because, as the famously sage Gisele Bündchen said: “If I honour my needs first, I will be the best wife, the best mom, the best sister, the best friend. I have to come first, because then everyone benefits.”
I HAVE TO COME FIRST. I mean, obviously, right? No, no, silly baby! You seem to be confused. I come first. Your insatiable appetite and dirty diaper? They’ll just have to wait while I satisfy my pressing needs which include, but are not limited to, watching Bad Teacher, requesting another bloody mary, and reading the in-flight magazine for the seventh time.
Joking aside, if I hadn’t already eaten all of these bars they would be first on my do-not-even-think-of-forgetting list (followed by the 45 diapers and all the onesies I can fit into a carry on). They are so good, so perfect, they’d easily make up for whatever slodge the airline provides and allow a refueled me to attend to pressing (but secondary – right, Gisele?) needs, those of my newborn child.
Maybe, just maybe, I’ll find the time between polishing my nails and keeping up with the latest on the Kardashian divorce saga to make these bars again before we go. My baby will be so grateful.
BROWN SUGAR CINNAMON BARS
Recipe adapted from one posted on Gimme Some Oven, where they are rightfully labeled addictive. Makes about 20 bars, or enough to keep you happy for about 4 days if you don’t share. I substituted chopped dried figs as I ran out of raisins. Do whatever floats your boat!
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (it’s more than you think you should add, but just do it!)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups packed light-brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup (1 stick / 115 grams) butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 apple, diced (about 1 cup)
3/4 cup raisins (or equivalent of chopped figs or prunes)
Heat oven to 350F/180C. Grease a rectangular baking pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmg and salt; set aside.
In a large bowl, with an electric mixer blend together sugar, eggs, butter and vanilla for a few minutes until smooth. Reduce speed and gradually add flour mixture; mix for 2 minutes or until just incorporated. Stir in diced apples and raisins and spread (or spoon) into prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting (unless you want shaggy-shaped bars!). Keep in an air-tight container.
