A few weeks ago, the Country Living Fair passed through Nashville, Tennessee, and we were lucky enough to get the opportunity to visit the fair and interview Nancy Fuller (from Farmhouse Rules on Food Network). It’s headed to Rhinebeck, New York in June, Columbus, Ohio in September as well as Atlanta in October. Check the Country Living website for more details, dates, and vendor information. There are seminars, artisan demonstrations, music, shopping, etc!
Why We Love the Country Living Fair
- THE FOOD! You’ll find the best in delicious country favorites from drinks like lemonade and root beer to foods like BBQ and tacos! And of course, the delicious almond bars by Nancy Fuller (recipe below)!
- MEET THE EDITORS: You’ll have a chance to chat face-to-face with the fabulous editors of Country Living!
- SHOPPING: My Mom can attest to just how amazing the shopping is! She picked up so many cute items for entertaining, home decor, gardening, etc.
- CELEBRITIES! View demonstrations and chat with Food Network’s Nancy Fuller, Matthew Mead, Melissa Caughey of Tilly’s Nest and HGTV.com, and the Beekman Boys. There are LOTS more, this is just a little snippit!
While I was away celebrating a friend’s wedding, my Mom graciously jumped at the chance to hang out with Nancy, and it’s clear the two bonded over their love for entertaining and delicious foods! We learned a lot about Nancy including how much we love her latest book Farmhouse Rules: Simple, Seasonal Meals for the Whole Family. A copy is gracing my kitchen counter now! Nancy shared one of her favorite recipes from the book with fair attendees but don’t fret, we got permission to share it with YOU! Hooray!
Now, they’re called “after-dinner” bars but I like to call them “anytime you want” bars. Almond is one of my FAVORITE flavors so these bars are right up my alley!
Almond After-Dinner Bars
Ingredients
- ¾ cup 1½ sticks unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- 1/3 cup strawberry rhubarb jam or jam of your choice
- 1 tablespoon amaretto
- ½ cup slivered almonds
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch- square baking pan with foil, with an overhang on two sides for gripping and removing the bars after baking.
- In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg, yolk, and almond extract and beat until smooth.
- Add the flour, baking powder, and salt and mix on low just until the dough comes together.
- Flour your fingers and press about two-thirds of the dough into the prepared pan.
- Put the crust and remaining dough in the refrigerator to chill until firm, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, stir together the jam and amaretto.
- Spread over the chilled crust, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Sprinkle the almonds over the top, then crumble the remaining dough over the almonds. Bake until the jam is bubbly and the topping is golden brown, about 35 minutes.
- Cool in the pan on a rack. Use the foil to lift the whole thing from the pan and cut into 12 squares.
Notes
So if you’ll be nearby the locations of the Country Living Fair this year, it’s a MUST-GO! Grab your friends, kids, husband (he’ll love the food), and enjoy!
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