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My lovely and friendly neighbor, Donna, who also happens to be my Gourmet Club partner, is an excellent cook.  When we moved in three years ago, we did not know how many wonderful and delicious treats would grace our doorsteps from across the street.  During the holidays she is known for her pumpkin bars, blueberry bars and cranberry bars.  I DREAM about her cranberry bars.  They are so good.  The first year I said, "Donna, I would love to have this recipe – these are so good".  She replied, "Oh, I don't give out my recipes."  HUH?  Have you ever met anyone who doesn't give out her recipes?!?  Ok – I thought – maybe that will change as we get to be friends.  That was in 2005. 

(Inserted note – try not to judge too harshly, she's actually quite kind and generous in other areas of her life.)

2006 -Donna delivers cranberry bars (who am I kidding, she never actually delivers anything – she sends Scott or Christopher).  Meredith asks for cranberry bar recipe.  She is denied.

2007 – Same thing.  Same story, but with a twist.  Donna says, "Oh, alright already".  But never actually delivers on her word.  This time I have to go to her house to actually get my yearly allotment of cranberry bars – they are not delivered.

2008 – Meredith gives Donna an ultimatum.  "Donna," I say, "give me the recipe or else".  "Or else what?" Donna sarcastically replies.  "Just bring the recipe to church tomorow", I answer.

NO RECIPE WAS BROUGHT.

So Meredith takes things in to her own hands.  (*Insert evil witch laugh*).  Two can play at this game.  I go to the place where all recipe-denied persons go.  I go…to the Internet.  And I search.  And search.  After three years of consuming these bars, I have gotten pretty good at knowing what's in them.   And then – I find them, or at least something close. 

And then I make them.  And then I call Donna.

"Donna - I have some treats for you.  Do you want them?"  "Sure!  Come on over!"

I giggle all the way over with my foil covered plate.

She rolls her eyes, takes a bite and says,

"I think your crust is too thick."

And then she calls later to tell me (with a laugh) that she thinks they were a little BITTER. 

So today – just to make Donna fume – I am publishing this recipe for all the world to see!  Enjoy!  They really are that good.

p.s. Love you Donna!

Meredith's Cranberry Bars

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 (16 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce