We know it’s a busy time of year for everyone. Here at Fitchburg State we’re putting the finishing touches on Winter Commencement and gearing up for GCE Winter and Spring classes. Have you registered yet?

Come do some one stop shopping at our Information Session in January -- we can get you started on a new career path! And for a holiday bonus, let us hook you up with a quick teacher gift or yummy treat to bring to a holiday gathering. Check out these super easy and delicious recipes!

Bring a little bit of summer to your Christmas gathering.
No campfire needed for these soft, gooey, rich bars that are loaded with texture and flavor. The combination of chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows, all suspended in a buttery, brown-sugar based dough, is just magical. They're ready from start to finish in 30 minutes and are so good, fast, and easy that you may never bother with regular s’mores again.

Super Gooey Loaded S’mores Bars

Yield: one 8x8 pan, 9 to 12 generous squares, very rich so small squares will do too!

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: about 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 5 full-size graham crackers, roughly chopped (about 2 cups)
• 1 heaping cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray; set aside.
2. In a large, microwave-safe bowl melt the butter, about 1 minute on high power.
3. Wait momentarily before adding the egg so you don't scramble it. Add the egg, brown sugar, vanilla, and whisk until smooth.
4. Add the flour and stir until just combined, don't overmix.
5. Add the graham crackers and any crumbs on cutting board, marshmallows, chocolate chips and fold to incorporate.
6. Turn batter out into prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula.
7. Bake for about 20 to 22 minutes, or until bars have firmed up in the center and edges will be set. Some marshmallows may have developed a hint of golden color. Allow bars to cool in pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Bars will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Or if you want something a little more reminiscent of the holidays try this buttery, fruity tea cake.

Cranberry Tea Cake

Yields 2 loaves

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups cranberries, roughly chopped (fresh or dried)
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• powdered sugar, garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350º F and lightly grease 2 loaf pans.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda and salt, and set aside.
3. In a large bowl or mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until lightened in color and fluffy. 4-5 minutes.
4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract and mix well.
5. Alternate between adding 1/3 cup of dry ingredients and 1-2 tablespoons buttermilk. Begin and end with flour mixture.
6. Gently fold in chopped cranberries and pour batter into loaf pans.
7. Place in oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
8. Let cool, then sift powdered sugar on top and enjoy!

Happy Holidays from everyone here in Graduate and Continuing Education at Fitchburg State University!