The foods we eat during holiday times are usually a significant part of our holiday traditions. The smells of some foods cooking take us right back to our childhoods and our mother’s kitchens.
    The region of the country we live is one influence on our food customs. In the past, foods locally grown have influenced diets and foods eaten. However, with today’s storage capacity and efficient transportation, regional foods can be found in grocery stores at all times and in all areas of the United States. Dishes (like the recipe below) that combine favorites from different regions may begin a new tradition and add variety to our celebrations.

White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies
    One half cup butter, softened
    One half cup granulated sugar
    One half cup packed brown sugar
    3/4 tsp. baking powder
    1/4 tsp. baking soda
    1/4 tsp. salt
    Two eggs
    1 tsp. vanilla
    1 cup all-purpose flour
    1/2 cup dried cranberries
    1/2 cup coarsely chopped white chocolate
    1 cup fresh cranberries
    Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9x9x2 inch baking pan cooking spray. Beat butter until soft, beat in sugars, baking powder, soda, and salt. Beat in eggs and vanilla, blend in flour. Stir in white chocolate and dried cranberries. Spread batter in prepared pan, sprinkle with fresh cranberries. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack for one hour, cut into bars.
    Nutrition Information for one bar          Daily Values
    246 calories                                         6 percent vitamin A
    11 grams fat (7 grams saturated)             2 percent vitamin C
    57 milligrams cholesterol                        5 percent calcium
    175 milligrams sodium                           5 percent iron
    35 grams carbohydrates
    1 gram fiber
    2 grams protein