From — Sunie Pope, Innkeeper Captain Freeman Inn
If you’re anything like me, you’re thrilled for Thanksgiving! FAMILY TIME!!! And it’s also my time for a mini-vacation from all the cooking, believe it or not… 
My multi-talented aunt hosts a glorious meal with wonderfully cheery guests at her home in New Jersey.
Do you have guests coming this week or perhaps you need to bring something to your Thanksgiving buffet? I have just the recipe!
About a month ago I stumbled upon a Maple Walnut Bar recipe that I’ve tweaked and baked in honor of autumn, my favorite season. Days later, one of our guests contacted us. She couldn’t stop thinking about these delectable treats and had to have the recipe. She said, (and I quote) “I died and went to heaven on them!!” And what better time to share an EASY recipe than a few days before Thanksgiving, when you’re rushing to get things done and aren’t so sure how that dessert is going to hold up this year… Good luck!
These maple walnut bars are begging you to give them a try. They’re very easy, straight-forward and quite delicious! Plus, it’s partially sweetened with maple syrup – so you can feel a little better about your choices for your health!
2 c flour (1 part white, 1 part whole wheat pastry)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 c light brown sugar
1/2 c salted butter, softened
1 c pure maple syrup
1 large egg
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 c (4 oz) walnuts, chopped
3. Slow mixer’s speed and add flour mixture and walnuts, be careful not to over mix.
4. Pour batter into greased 8″ x 8″ baking pan and smooth out.
5. Bake at 325 degrees for 40-45 minutes.
6. Cool in pan for 15 min.
7. Remove from pan and cool completely before icing.
1/2 c salted butter, softened
2 oz cream cheese, softened
1 T light brown sugar
3 T pure maple syrup
1/4 c + 2 T confectioner’s sugar
walnut halves
2. Add brown sugar and maple syrup, until smooth.
3. Slow speed and add confectioners’ sugar.
4. Return to high speed and mix until smooth. (I found it was not nearly thick enough, so I added an additional cup of confectioners’ sugar.)
5. Once bars are completely cooled, spread frosting on and top with a walnut!
