Strawberry-rhubarb Squares

STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB SQUARES

For this delicious snack I use one 30 oz can of strawberry-rhubarb pie filling but you can easily substitute any favorite pie filling to make this.  Fruit squares, no matter what fruit you choose to use are delicious and can be served as a snack with tea or milk or your favorite beverage.  They are equally great for breakfast, for dessert or even that midnight snack when you just can’t sleep.  Fruit bars are a comfort food.  I use the strawberry-rhubarb because it is a little bit sweet and a little bit tart and just seems to satisfy my cravings when I need a sweet treat.  Here is how to make them.

STRAWBERRY-RHUBARB SQUARES

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Lightly grease and flour an 11” x 17” baking pan and set aside

In a medium size mixing bowl combine

1 cup butter or margarine softened

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/4 cup light brown sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. almond extract

Beat together until light and fluffy

Continue beating and add

4 large eggs, one egg at a time

Beat until well blended

Sift together and add

2 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

Pinch of salt (about 1/8 tsp.)

Mix until thoroughly blended

Set aside about 1 1/2 cups of the batter

Spread remaining batter in the bottom of prepared baking pan

Spoon pie-filling evenly over the top

Spread remaining batter over the top of the pie filling

Bake 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until top is golden brown.

Remove from oven and set on wire rack to cool.  Cool for about 12-15

minutes and drizzle simple glaze over the top.  (I sometimes sprinkle finely

chopped walnuts, pecans or shredded coconut over the glaze.  This is optional)

Cool to room temperature.  Cut into squares and serve.  If I am serving this for a dessert I serve it with a scoop of ice cream or a dab of whipped cream.  These squares are really delicious and so versatile you may even want to make a double batch just to keep everyone and your sweet tooth happy.