These Cranberry Bliss Copycat bars are absolutely perfect for the holidays; red and white- what more could you ask for in a holiday treat?  They are so delectable they are already on the list for Canada Day (and if you’re in the states, add some dried blueberries for July 4th)!  They are super easy to make and they taste exactly like the original seasonal favorite from Starbucks.  Seriously though, these bars are legit too easy to make, it should be illegal.  I made these last weekend for a family Holiday party and they were such a hit- there weren’t any left by the end of the night!
 
 
Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup salted butter 
• 1 ½ cups light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup dried cranberries 
• 1 brick of cream cheese
• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• 1 Tablespoon grated orange zest 
• 1 cup powdered sugar

 
 
Base:
 
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, and line a baking sheet with greased tinfoil or parchment paper.
 
Step 2: In one bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
 
Step 3: In another bowl, add brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs.  Whisk until saturated and mixed.  
 
Step 4:  Add dry ingredients bowl to brown sugar mixture, and beat together until mixed.  
 
Step 5: Fold in the cranberries and white chocolate chips.  
 
Step 6: Spread batter onto baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes.  Test with a toothpick but you want them to be soft as they will bake a little more while they cool off. 
 
Allow pan to cool thoroughly before adding icing, I let it cool for a couple hours.
 
Frosting:
 
With a hand blender or stand mixer, blend together icing sugar, cream cheese, and orange zest.  To get the right consistency you can either thin it with milk or add more sugar.  
 
Chocolate Drizzle:
 
Melt white chocolate chips in the microwave or double boiler, stirring every 30 seconds to avoid burning.  After icing is spread on bars, drizzle atop bars and then add more dried cranberries.  
 
I always place them in the fridge to set after this, and they are much easier to slice when they’re chilled too.  Remember to tag me on Instagram if you make them!

This easy tomato pasta recipe comes together quickly for a fast and healthy weeknight dinner (your sauce is done by the time pasta is cooked- it honestly couldn’t get easier than that)! Tomatoes are added to a garlic and herb sauce cooked on the stovetop and tossed with pasta of your choice and topped with some Parmesan cheese.  Grilled Chicken or Shrimp also pair perfect with this dish-  I love the presentation of this meal in a serving dish and bringing it to the table; however pasta and sauce can always be kept separate until individual plates.  This recipe serves 4 if following pasta serving size (or two plus next days lunch of you're like me haha).
 
Ingredients:

• Pasta, package of your choice
• 2 packages Knorr Herb and Garlic
• 4 tomatoes (I used on the vine tomatoes but any type work)
• 2 Tbsp. sprinkle Parmesan cheese
• Fresh grated Parmesan cheese for topping  

Directions:

• Boil water for pasta, and cook according to package directions.  I have been on a Fettuccine kick lately but angel hair is also great for this.
• In a saucepan, while pasta is cooking, combine two packages of Knorr Herb and garlic pasta sauce mix and 1 cup water, bring to a boil.  
• Cut up four tomatoes, and add to sauce, along with 2 Tbsp. sprinkle Parmesan cheese.
• Turn burner to low and wait for pasta to finish cooking.
• Drain pasta, add back to pot or serving bowl.  Pour sauce mixture on top, mix well.  Top with cheese if desired.  Enjoy!

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