Raspberry Almond Bars
My husband and I joined a gym this week. Of course, I tell myself that this year will be different. This year, I will stick to my resolutions and will exist solely on lettuce, carrots, and water. I will get up at 5:00am every morning and happily prance to the gym, chipper and eager to torture my body with endless running and muscle persecuting exercises. I like to afflict agony on my body...at least this is what I have to convince myself in the next few weeks.
My intentions were solidified this morning, by the innocent ponderings of my 4 year old son. Preschoolers have a way of baldly stating their observations, which somehow always come out like an insult. Our conversation (which took place in the bathroom - another favorite pastime of preschoolers - watching you go pee) went something like this:
"Mommy, how come you don't fall in the toilet when you pee?"
"Well, that's because the seat keeps me from falling in."
"Oh, I know....it's because you're butt is big."
"Yes, my butt is bigGER than the seat, which keeps me from falling in."
I tell myself that my eagerness to point out the difference between the adjectives of "big" and "bigger", was the chance to teach him something new. Of course, it had nothing to do with my own pride:) Oh, and our other lesson for today - Helpful Uses Of A Butt: A keep-you-from-falling-in-the-toilet device.
So in light of my need to keep the size of my rear in check, I made these bars to indulge in while I could. They are sweet, buttery and very tasty. You can also customize them by using any preserves you like. Don't worry though, I'll still be making yummy treats, I just won't be wallowing in them every chance I can:)
Raspberry Almond Bars
3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar, plus more for garnish
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
3 egg whites
6 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup flaked coconut (optional)
1 cup sliced almonds
Preheat oven to 350F. In an electric mixer, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and mix well.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9 x 13 baking pan.
Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven.
Spread the raspberry preserves over the crust.
In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, on high until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the coconut (if using) and 1/2 cup almonds. Spread the meringue evenly over the jam. Sprinkle the remaining almonds over the top. Return to oven and bake for another 18-22 minutes or until golden.
(adapted from Taste of Home, December 2010)
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45 comments:
5am? FIVE AM?!! We’re in awe. We’re impressed. You win. And also, we looooove the look of these bars! Butter, raspberries, almonds and coconut?! Fabulous. Delicious.
Very impressive and steps are clearly shown with great photos. Will give it a try. Thanks for sharing.
Oh yum. I love the idea of a meringue-coconut-almond topping... nice change from the usual crumbled shortbread topping I normally see on raspberry bars. I bet these would be sublime with a layer of lemon curd, too.
PS - Even for bars this delicious, there is no way anyone could convince me to get out of bed at the crack of dawn to work out. So kudos to you for your determination!
Hilarious...nothing like a child to tell it like it is. These bars look wonderful! I made some almond apricot bars, similar to these, a couple of weeks ago, but didn't taste them because of our strict diet right now. You better believe I'm making some more as soon as we're off our detox!
LOL! I love kids ... they just say it! So cute!
Your almond bars are gorgeous - I make something similar, but I think I will replace my recipe with yours... it's yummylicious!
These look so good, and fruit + nuts make them at least a wee bit healthy, yes? The pics make me want to grab one straight out of the monitor and eat it!! BTW, I'm having a giveaway you might want to enter...six free gourmet food products! Stop by my blog before midnight tomorrow, ok?
Darn cute kids. I think of my butt as a holder-upper for my britches. Makes the bigger seem useful. Besides, baby got back is still in fashion. Right?
Love. those. bars. Wants some right now. Such a geat topping on top of already good stuff.
Your bars are beautiful. I make a similar recipe, too, but yours sound better with the coconut. Good luck with the gym:)
Good for you guys! You will cheer each other on...and this will cheer you up!
THe look of these are so impressive! And obvi they sound delicious!
Oh my...this is so good! Love, love, love photos, especially the first one, I am totally drooling LOL!
The raspberry almond bars are gorgeous! I love how you made meringue to put on top of the jam. What a great idea. I'm definitely making these bars, they are so calling my name. :D
The story about the toilet made me giggle. Thank goodness my butt keeps me from falling in the toilet too! ;)
These bars are so beautiful in its pink berry colors.
Those raspberry bars look sinful. But then again, everything you bake does. Don't work out too hard - we wouldn't want you falling in the toilet - :)
These look so good. I remember when I got up at 5:00am to go to the gym too. I managed for a while but then it got too tiring and I would want to be in bed by 9:00pm. Thanks for the reminder that I do need to start some form of exercise again, or I won't be able to have treats like these :)
I would break any good resolution in front of these bars! How do you not just attack them all? :) They look fantastic and love the raspberry almond combo.
Pictures are so amazing :) bars are just asking to be eaten :)
Your son is too funny!! You never know what little kids are going to innocently say. When my dad introduced me to our neighbor Dick, I started asking (loudly) why his name was a curse word. LOL
The bars look delicious. I happen to have sliced almonds on hand, so I may need to try these out soon!
These look fantastic! Thank you for sharing. I love your blog... great recipes and photos!
To funny! My five year old daughter says some pretty interesting things. Cracks me up! These bars look so fantastically delicious.
These look heavenly! The meringue sounds so light and airy!
This post made me laugh out loud! Kids say the cutest/most hilarious things! I don't think I could wake up at 5 am...but I love your determination! As for these bars? I could CERTAINLY make and eat a whole batch. Thank you for sharing, sweetheart. I hope you have a happy Saturday. Hugs and love!
OH wow! Those bars looks so awesome and healthy. Yum!
Congrats on top9...m ur new follower now....
My blog is www.zestyflavors.com
beautiful photos
Thank you for the chuckle - cute dialog with your son :)
I could eat the whole pan of these raspberry almond bars. This is so my type of dessert. Even more, your photos are edible themselves! I'm making these asap.
Ha - kids really do say the darndest things! These bars look delicious. I love the idea of putting meringue on the top. Such a nice change.
hi Amber
now that I have stopped laughing....sigh....I can get on to those gorgeous raspberry bars, and think about making my butt even bigger by eating a whole plate full! Note to self, never come here hungry....sigh
Congrats on your top 9 today
Dennis
These look great, I'm going to make them for sure! Thanks for sharing!
wow...those bars look out of this world...i love the recipe too!
I love kids and the things they say...I think that's why I enjoy my job so much. :) Hubby and I joined a gym last week as well- must be something in the air. Those raspberry almond bars look absolutely amazing- I love the pretty red jam peeking out! I'm saving this recipe for one of those times that I really need a treat.
Making these right now. And never pass up a teachable moment! Big, bigger, biggest. Gotta love 4 year olds.
Anything with a thick topping of almonds is a winner in my book! Congrats on making the top 9. Gorgeous work!
Okay, so I'm coming over now.
...To eat these..
....Hopefully that's okay?!
If you aspire to be a skilled food photographer, than that you have already become. Thanks for the inspiration!
Wow! These look gorgeous! So happy to have found your blog...its fantastic! Kudos to you for the 5am! Seriously.
Amber, these sound otherworldly good. I'm new to your blog and have enjoyed browsing through your earlier entries in an attempt to catch up. I love the food and recipes you feature here and I'll definitely be back. Have a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary
These look Divine!!!!!!!!
Awesome Job Amber!!!
And Superb Clicks.....what camera do you use girl?
Hi Neel, thanks for your comment:) I use a Canon Rebel XS, and shoot mainly with a 50mm f1.8 lens. This little lens has been my best investment, it's very reasonably priced and gives great photos. I'm still learning and trying to improve my photography, so I appreciate your kind comments:)
wow this look so yummy! thanks for sharing this and have a great day.
Thanks for not giving up on baked goods just for the sake of your gym routine! Your readers appreciate it. I often feel baking is exercise, all the standing up, lifting, bending stirring...it's a work out! Thanks for this lovely recipe!
alright, so, these look phenomenal. i hope you aren't really waking up at 5AM in order to work off these treats but, if it means you are able to eat a dozen or so, i guess it's worth it ;)
thanks for posting! love your blog
-meg
@ http://www.clutzycooking.blogspot.com
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http://www.myscribblednotebook.blogspot.com
I'm also seriously impressed with your early morning wake up call. I can't get myself out of bed that early just to shower :) These bars might help lure me up though...they look fantastic! I'm sure one could be eaten with coffee for breakfast...
Made these tonight, I think adding some almond flavor or almond paste might help. I think my egg whites werent stiff enough because while they turned out ok, they dont look quite as wonderful as yours! Will have to try this again
Hi just wondering if this recipe is possible with fresh wild raspberries instead of the jam?
Hi Lana,
I'm not sure if these would work with whole berries. You can always try it though! I would mash the raspberries a little and add some sugar to the berries, as you will loose a lot of sweetness by removing the jam.
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