Nov 24, 2022 1 min read

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 cup butter, softened

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

1 egg

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup red and green maraschino cherries, finely chopped and well drained

Red and green maraschino cherries, cut in half for tops

In a medium mixing bowl combine flour, brown sugar and butter. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until mixture resembles coarse crumbles. Reserve 1 cup of the mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture into the bottom of ungreased 8x8x2-inch baking pan. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 8-10 minutes until light brown. Meanwhile, for the filling, combine in a medium mixing bowl, cream cheese, egg, granulated sugar, milk, lemon juice, vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Stir in chopped red and green cherries. Pour filling over the partially baked crust. Sprinkle with reserved mixture. Bake for 25-30 minutes more, until light brown and set. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars. Decorate each piece with alternating red and green cherry halves.

Debra Ruffing

Washington