Pineapple bars like Grandma used to make

When I was a teen, one of my friends moms would make this bar dessert quite frequently.  It was delicious.  No one else that I knew had made it. As I grew older and out of contact with that friend, I often thought of those pineapple bars.  As I became a Mom and embarked on teaching myself how to bake and cook, I looked to my Mennonite friends who were the best bakers around.  I wondered if I could find a recipe that was similar to what I had years ago.  But no one had a replica of it.

I had Googled this recipe many times.  Most were just plain pineapple bars with a cake like filling.  The recipe I wanted was for a cooked pineapple filling.  It was just no where to be found.

This year for my 40th birthday I wanted to find this recipe.  I knew that someone, somewhere had to have this recipe.  So I would lay in bed and search through the hundreds of recipes on my search.

Then I found it!!! Here is the original source click on the link to find specific baking instructions.

Pie crust:

• 3 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 sticks butter
• 3 egg yolks
• 8 oz sour cream

For filling:

• 2 cups crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 T cornstarch

Frosting:

• 2 large egg whites
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 3 cups powdered sugar

Top with 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts.

Here we rolled out the dough to make the crust.  Now I did mine in a 9×13 pan, that creates a thicker bar.  When I was a teen I had it with a thinner crust.  Use a jelly roll pan it will be better.  You want the crust thin not thick. Mix the crust ingredients together and place in a greased pan.

You then cook your pineapple ingredients together for about 7 minutes or until thick.

You then pour the filling over the bottom crust and carefully put the top crust on.  You bake it and bring it out.  While it is cooling you mix up royal icing. 

You spread yours on top and let it harden.  Now I told ya that I put it in a 9×13 pan this made the pineapple bar thicker.  You want it thinner, so avoid my mistakes and do the jelly roll pan.  You will get a delicious tasting bar.  Don’t get me wrong, this was good, but it was thick. You want thinner, lighter, and flakier.  I kept the nuts off this time, but if you want that delicious crunch, add the nuts. 

Check out the link I put in here and see how to make these delicious bars.  They are a great thing if you enjoy pineapple, something different than you have ever had.  Take a few minutes today to sit down with your children.  Do this even if you have a list that is a million miles long.  Take 5 minutes and grab a book to read to your child.  One is better than none at all.  If you are working all day away from the home, take five minutes and look for someone whom you can encourage, listen to.  Like really listen.  Don’t have time for either, buy a coffee or a cold drink for a friend today and surprise them! Look for an opportunity to bless someone else, even in the little.  Enjoy your day look for those rays of sunshine no matter how little they may be!!!

Amy