Cranberry-Orange Pistachio Bars

Cranberry-Orange Pistachio Bars (Adapted from Eating Well)

For the crust

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2/3 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt

For the topping

3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 large egg white
1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 cups fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup raw pistachios, toasted and chopped

To make the crust

Preheat oven to 350

In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugars. Mix in flours and salt until the mixture is crumbly. Scoop mixture into an 8" square baking dish coated with nonstick spray. Evenly press crumbs down to form a base. Bake until the edges have started to turn golden, about 10-12 minutes.

To make the topping

In a medium bowl, stir together 3/4 cup sugar, flour, baking powder and salt until combined. Mix in egg, egg white, orange zest and juice until smooth and well blended.

Scatter the chopped cranberries over the pre-baked crust. Carefully pour the orange mixture over the cranberries. Scatter the chopped pistachios evenly over the top.

Bake until the center looks set and the top is golden - about 40 -45 minutes. Remove and set on a wire rack to cool completely before cutting.

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