Crumble Bars

Photo & recipe thanks to Tait Farm Foods. These delicious bars are easy to make and a perfect treat for many different occasions. And depending on the time of the year, the fruit spread center can change with the seasons. For the holidays, Cranberry Orange Conserve is delightful. In the spring, Apricot Butter or Strawberry Rhubarb Conserve is lovely, and in the summer, any of the berry jams are perfect!

Ingredients:

- 2 C. unbleached all-purpose flour

- 2/3 C. sugar

- 1/4 + tsp. salt

- 2/3 tsp. baking powder

- 1/4 + tsp. cinnamon

- 1/8 tsp. nutmeg

- 1/8 tsp. allspice

- 1 1/3 sticks unsalted butter - chilled and cut into pieces

- 1 egg

- 1 jar Tait Farm Fruit Spread or high quality jam of your choice

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375. Line the bottom of an 8" x 8" baking pan with parchment paper and butter both the bottom and sides. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and spices. Using a pastry blender, fork, or food processor, work the chilled butter and the egg into the flour mixture until it resembles a coarse meal. Pat half the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, spread your favorite jar of fruit spread over the crumb base, and sprinkle the remaining crumbs evenly over the fruit spread layer. Bake for 30 - 35 minutes, or until it is lightly browned on top. Cool completely before cutting.