| Bella Vista Farm's Jam Streusel Bars 2
cups all purpose flour To prepare the Dough: Generously grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Sift together into a large bowl: 2 cups flour, ¼ cup Bella Vista Farm sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Sprinkle over the top: 12 tablespoons of butter, cut up into small pieces. Using a pastry blender, 2 knives, or your fingertips, cut in the butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir together: 3 tablespoons Milk and 1 ½ teaspoon almond extract. Sprinkle the milk mixture over the flour mixture. Lightly stir to blend. Knead until the mixture is distributed and the particles begin to hold together. If necessary, add a teaspoon or two more milk, until the mixture holds together, but is not wet. Firmly press the dough into the pan to form a smooth, even layer. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, position a rack in the center of the oven and another in the upper third. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Bake the chilled dough in the center of the oven until barely firm in the center, 12 to 15 minutes. Spread evenly over the hot crust: 1 10 oz jar Bella Vista Farm Jam. To prepare the Streusel: Whisk
together thoroughly: 1 ¾ cup flour, 2/3 cup sugar, ½
teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt. Sprinkle over the top 8 tablespoons
butter, cut into small pieces. Using a pastry blender, 2 knives,
or your fingertips, cut in the butter until mixture is well blended.
Using fork, stir into the flour mixture 1 at a time: ¾ cup
sliced almonds, ½ cup rolled oats. Beat together lightly
and stir into the mixture until the streusel is moistened and forms
small clumps: 1 large egg and 2 tablespoons milk. Sprinkle the streusel
evenly over the jam, breaking up any large clumps with a fork or
your fingertips. Bake in the upper third of the oven until the streusel
is nicely browned and the jam mixture is bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes.
Remove the pan to a rack to cool completely. Cut into bars. |
