Strawberry Crumb Bars

If you visit often you already know that I get inspiration from many sources and for many reasons. I have many wonderful books on my shelves, I like to try some of the recipes from my favorite blogs, I enjoy the challenge of the Heavenly Bakers and the Daring Bakers, and sometimes friends graciously share. The recipe for this project came from one of my favorites blogs, so I won't be writting up this recipe today. Instead I am going to rave about it so much that you won't be able to contain yourself and you will seek it out at Technicolor Kitchen in English.

The reason for this project is that this week I have a partner in the kitchen. She is a very special helper. With old but loving hands. Hands that are going to turn 85 years old on Sunday. So this week we need a small variety of treats for my helper to snack on until her day- a special birthday celebration. But more on that next week.

Back to the baking project at hand. Strawberry Crumb Bars! This is one of those recipes that as soon as it cools and that as the first bite goes in your mouth you know, you just know that this is a keeper. And its versatility lends itself to so many possible variations.

The recipe is in three components. First is a cookie base that bakes up seperately. Sweet but not overy, tender but holds together. A perfect blend of ingredients.

As the base cools the filling can be prepared. This is where it gets exciting. The first time I made this I used a fresh home made blueberry jam. Oh yeah! The second time I made it with a dried plum and orange zest puree. Yum! The third time (pictured here) I used a home made strawberry jam....pure bliss!

The last component is a not too sweet crumb topping and then back in the oven. The finished product is addicting and light, and wonderful. I already know what I will use as a filling the next time I make it!

Let me know if you try it and what you use as a filling!