Cranberry Upside Down Cake

Let's just say I have an in with a very sweet cranberry grower so having them in my freezer isn't usually a problem.  However, I find myself just using them in smoothies or making cranberry sauce.  This cake has greatly broadened my horizons.  Maybe it will broaden yours.

Cranberry Upside Down Cake (adapted from this recipe)

Topping Ingredients:

1/2 c sugar
2 c cranberries- or enough to cover cake pan bottom
1/4 tsp cloves and nutmeg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 T butter- to grease pan thoroughly

 

Cake Ingredients:

2 1/3 c gluten-free flour blend
1 T baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 2/3 c sugar
1/2 c butter
1 c milk (cows or otherwise)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 T vinegar, white

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix together sugar and spices.  Using butter, generously grease the bottom and sides of an cheesecake pan (the type with the sides that pop off).   Spread the sugar and spice mixture evenly on the bottom of the pan and then arrange cranberries to cover the bottom.

Mix flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in large mixing bowl.  Cut in butter and mix until fine crumbs are formed.  Make sure there are no lumps of butter remaining. Stir in milk and vanilla.  Mix thoroughly and then stir in vinegar.  Pour batter on top of cranberries and spread evenly to coat. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 45-55 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.  Let cool 20 minutes on wire rack.  Run knife around edge to loosen cake sides from pan.   Invert onto plate and serve  You may have to do some reconstructive surgery to the top...don't worry know one will know and it still tastes great.

NOTE: This can be made vegan with equally yummy results by using melted coconut oil.It's a bit easier too, I just melted the coconut oil and mixed it in the Kitchen-aid instead of cutting it in.  I also used coconut oil to oil the pan and I think it didn't stick as bad so try both ways and see which you like better even if you don't care about making it vegan.

Find more at Slightly Indulgent Tuesday.

Cranberry Date Bars

Apparently, I have a thing for dates lately.  I used to think I hated them...maybe it was the type?  I'm not sure.  But, I've been trying out the ones from the bulk bin in Winco and so far, I would say I like them...a lot...definitely more than I should!

Cranberry Date Bars

18 or so dates (use a few more if they are tiny, few less if they are huge...I know, really helpful right?)

1 c dried cranberries

1/2 c raw cashews

1/2 c raw almonds

1/2 tsp cinnamon

pinch of salt

In food processor, roughly chop the dates and cranberries.  Take them out and put them in large bowl.  Add nuts, cinnamon and salt to food processor and chop until fine but stop before it turns into butter.  Combine the chopped dried fruit and nuts.  Mix well by hand...it will be sticky!  Press into a 8x8 pan or a bit smaller one if you have it.  I lined mine with plastic wrap.  Refrigerate for an hour, cut into squares, and try not to eat all at once.

Find more yummies at Pennywise Platter Thursday or Slightly Indulgent Tuesday!