Festive Garland Bars

Ingredients:
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup dried cranberries, divided
  • 1 cup white chocolate chunks, divided
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups salted popcorn (from a 6-oz bag)
Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Butter a 9-inch square baking pan; set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda; add ½ cup of the cranberries and 1/4 cup of the chocolate chunks and toss to coat.
  4. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together with a spoon until well combined; add egg and beat again until combined.
  5. Add flour mixture and stir together until combined.
  6. Transfer batter to prepared pan and bake until just cooked through and golden brown, about 20 minutes; set aside to let cool.
  7. Melt remaining 3/4 cup chocolate chunks.
  8. Spread 2/3 of melted chocolate over bars and immediately scatter remaining 1/2 cup cranberries and popcorn over the top, pressing down gently to help adhere.
  9. Drizzle remaining chocolate over bars.
  10. Set aside until chocolate sets, about 15 minutes; cut into squares and serve immediately.
Nutritional Info:
Per Serving (makes 2 dozen): 150 calories (50 from fat), 6 g total fat, 3.5 g saturated fat, 15 mg cholesterol, 80 mg sodium, 23 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein.