My Aunt's Christmas plate and Raspberry Walnut Bars

 Christmas , to me, is all about traditions that have been in my family for a long time, or traditions that I started with my children. I got this Christmas plate from my Aunt, that raised my Dad, when their mother died.  I love this plate and I had to show you this plate when it is empty because of the raised poinsettia on the inside of the plate and the leaves around the edge. At first glance, you might think that this plate is Milk Glass, but this plate is very heavy. For many years I never knew what is was.  Then I took it to an antique shop and discovered that the plate is actually molded glass that was produced in the early 1950's, an antique, just like me:)  The three holders at the top are for candles, which are lit, when I serve the cookie and treats.. Have any of you eve seen a plate like this before?  I never seen anything close to this, but this is one of my treasures.

Now let's make some Raspberry Walnut bars. A crisp buttery, shortbread crust, with tart raspberry filling with crunchy walnuts, topped with more buttery topping and a sweet vanilla glaze. These are the perfect Christmas treat for my cookie plate. I will show a picture of the plate, when all my treats are done. I still have to make oatmeal craisin cookies for my non-chocolate son, Cranberry Orange Nut Bread, and Sour Cream Coffee Cake.  Whew, I have to go and bake, bake, bake!
What are your favorite Christmas traditions?

Raspberry Walnut Bars

Crumb Mixture

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cup sugar

1 cup   butter, 2 sticks

1 egg, slightly beaten

Filling

12 oz raspberry preserves or your favorite flavor

1 c. chopped walnuts.

 Glaze

1 ½ c powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

¼ c milk

 Directions

Heat oven to 350°F. Combine all crumb mixture ingredients in large bowl. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 2 cups crumb mixture; set aside.

Press remaining crumb mixture on bottom of greased 15 X 10 X 1. Spread preserves to within 1/2 inch of edge. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over raspberry preserves Crumble reserved crumb mixture over preserves.

Bake 15-20 min. or until lightly browned. Cool completely; cut into bars. Combine glaze ingredients in small bowl and stir until desired consistency. enjoy.