Cranberry Crumble Bars

For Crust/Crumble:

• 3 c all-purpose flour

• 1 c granulated sugar

• 1 t baking powder

• 1 t cinnamon

• 1/4 t ginger

• 1/4 t salt

• 1 c unsalted butter, cold

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1 t vanilla

For the Filling:

• 4 c fresh cranberries

• 1 c orange juice (from about 1 orange)

• 1/2 c orange zest

• 1 c dark brown sugar

• 2 t pure vanilla extract

• 2 cinnamon stick

• 1 star anise pod

• 2 T powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Make the cranberry sauce. Add all ingredients into a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir consistently to avoid burning. Once boiling, you'll notice the cranberries will begin to pop. Continue boiling for a few minutes until they have all popped. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Set aside.

3. Make the crust/crumble. Add flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ginger to a food processor.  Add butter and pulse until in pea-sized pieces.  Add beaten egg and vanilla and gently mix to combine.

4. Spread half the dough on the prepared pan.  Top it with the cranberry sauce, then crumble the rest of the dough on top.  Bake for 45-55 minutes, until slightly golden.  Let it cool, then dust with powdered sugar and cut it into squares.

Enjoy!