JUST SIMPLE SOMETHINGS: August 2009

I have absolutely no luck with electric mixers.

Seems like I no sooner buy one, and it goes up in smoke !

Recently I found an old-fashioned egg beater

that's heavy duty stainless steel for $1.00.

Yes, that's one dollar.

I used it today to make Cherry squares.

1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs, beaten
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon juice
21 ounces cherry pie filling (lemon, pineapple etc. can be used)

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
Lightly grease a 15 x 10 x 1-inch jellyroll pan or a deep cookie sheet.

Cream butter, gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Gradually add flour, beating well. Stir in flavorings. Pour the batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Lightly cut through the batter with a small knife to mark off 18 to 24 squares (your choice).

Spoon about 1 tablespoon pie filling in center of each square.

Bake for 45 minutes or until lightly browned on edges. (the batter will puff up around filling while baking).

Cool cake in pan 10 minutes. Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar.

I like to use this shaker from Pampered Chef.
Cut into squares, and remove from pan.

Yields 18 to 24 servings.

My co-workers are always asking when I'm going to bake again. When they see me coming with a container, they start to circle...then they dive in...and within 10 minutes...