 We made a long overdue trip this past weekend to visit the illustrator's parents in Tennessee! It was such a nice time and the weather could not have been any better! The leaves were changing just the right amount and there was a crispness in the air that made it picturesque. I have to say that there is nothing better than having a freshly brewed cup of coffee (while covered up on a blanket) out on their deck at this time in the fall! It was a nice visit and we got lots of parting gifts! We brought back a load of fresh and canned produce that I am so excited to get in the kitchen and play with! I have already done a few things, but the first one I wanted to share was the Perfect Pear Spice Bar! This recipe was originally for a zucchini bar, but I decided to change it up and use what I have on hand...which is a lot of pears! I used my usual cream cheese icing on top, because you know cream cheese icing makes everything that much better! This one is pretty healthy too, so you can't help but give it a try!
Perfect Pear Spice Bar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup turbinado sugar
6 TBSP softened Smart Balance Light
3/4 cup + 2 TBSP White Whole Wheat Flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 cup egg substitute (or 1 TBSP flax meal mixed with 3 TBSP water)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup shredded pears (drain on a paper towel)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8x8 baking dish with cooking spray.
Cream together the sugars and smart balance light. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Then add the dry ingredients in the butter mixture along with the egg substitute and vanilla. Fold in the shredded pears. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool before icing or cutting.
Cream Cheese Icing
1/4 cup (2 ounces) Toffutti Better Than Cream Cheese)
2 TBSP cup light butter or stick margarine, softened (I use Light Smart Balance)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
 Labels: bars, cakes, quick breads |
Such a lovely visit with the family!! And lovely bars :0)