Cranberry Cheese Bars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Press the mixture into the prepared pan.
4. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and white sugar until smooth. Beat in egg.
5. Stir in cranberries until evenly distributed.
6. Spread cream cheese mixture over the crust.
7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly browned.
8. Cool before cutting into bars.

Interesting Facts

• Cranberries are native to North America and have been used by Native Americans for centuries.
• Cranberries are high in antioxidants and are thought to help reduce inflammation.
• Cream cheese is made from cow’s milk and is high in fat and calories.