So, sorry for the handful of you that follow this blog. I stopped writing for several reasons, but I hope to be back for good. Having a full time job means I don’t leave work till the sun starts setting, so I have NO time to take photos unless it’s the weekend. And I’m not exactly always in the mood to cook a huge dinner for one.

My grandmother started making these delicious squares I think for Christmas years and years ago. I knew they were good, but I didn’t know how easy they were to make. I am no baker, but I haven’t messed them up. There’s still hope for you non bakers out there!

It’s a pretty straightforward recipe. You’re simply beating and stirring in ingredients then baking them till they become one unified, cake like substance.

These used to be an after dinner treat, but I decided to start wrapping them up and taking a square or two for breakfast. They’re great alongside a glass of milk of cup of coffee.

A few things before we get to baking:

• This dough will be very thick. Some wet fingers to squish it to the sides with a little bit of elbow grease and the dough won’t stand a chance.
• I added orange juice the first time I made these because I was so worried about the dough being so thick. Doesn’t really help that much but the flavor is spot on. Some orange zest would be great here, too.
• I’ve actually never used fresh cranberries to make these, but I know my grandmother does. Frozen cranberries are perfectly fine.
• I typically don’t use pecans because they’re so expensive. They add a nice crunch, but if you don’t have any, worry not. The almond flavor comes right through in each bite.