#cranberry squares

[deptofbaking]

Cranberry Squares

As with every year, I made these favourite cranberry squares (although not vegan this time). I later got to enjoy some additional ones that my mom made for Christmas. YUM!

[deptofbaking]

Cranberry Squares (Vegan)

My family spends every Christmas Eve watching A Christmas Carol (specifically, the 1951 classic black & white version starring Alistair Sims) while eating many snacks. Most of these snacks - smoked oysters, shrimp ring, cheese & crackers - don't actually appeal to me, and I remember once being disappointed when my Mom hadn't made one of my favourite holiday treats, cranberry squares. I just asked where the recipe was from originally, but my mom doesn't remember - she's been making them for at least 30 years.

I've since learned to make them myself, and while they don't look super exciting, they're delicious and always well-received. I was tasked with bringing a vegan dessert to a potluck with friends last week, and with some minor adaptations (using an egg substitute, and Earth Balance margarine instead of butter), I fulfilled the challenge.

With dishes and table space at a premium, my friends and I ate the squares right out of an oh-so-classy giant margarine container (a hand-me-down from my grandmother, if I recall correctly). 

The squares tasted very similar to the non-vegan version, and the almond extract-flavour in the shortbread was a big hit, as always. I can't wait to enjoy another batch of these on Christmas Eve, and again when I take some to my extended family's Boxing Day celebration. 

Merry Christmas!