I read this article the other day about how a father took his daughter to see Hamilton. It wasn’t exactly about the uber famous musical, but instead about how it will be a lasting memory for the author and especially his daughter.
The article got me thinking about my relationship with Dad. Mom gets a lot of the glory because we spend a lot of time together. We cook, bake, clean, shop, take walks, and more together, while Dad is at work. And sometimes Dad doesn’t get enough credit, though I do try to give him a fair amount.
While Dad and I have conversations in the evenings sometimes and occasionally watch movies together that don’t suit Mom, those memories tend to fade away, but the big outings we’ve had together and the events we’ve experienced stick with me in a meaningful way as the article described.
There was that time ten years ago he took me to Neiman Marcus (every dad’s dream, right?) to buy a few pairs of previously selected shoes. As we walked into the shoe department he reached for one of the pairs I was about to buy … or rather he was about to buy for me.
As if in slow motion, I reached forward saying “Noooooooooooo,” but it was too late. He had seen the price. They remain one of the most expensive pairs of shoes in my closet. After all three pairs of shoes had been rung up, the salesman put the receipt in the bag so Dad never had to look at the final total.
Oh, and then there was when he took me to see Kathy Griffin (also every dad’s dream, right?). We had great seats, and I enjoyed the show, but imagine most of the Real Housewives and Kardashian references went in one ear and out the other. He sat patiently though, taking pictures of Kathy and waiting with me to see if she would sign autographs after the show.
Not too long ago, we went to see Book of Mormon. Mom typically goes to see plays with us, but the show was so popular when it came to town, I had to purchase tickets on the secondary market (Hey, StubHub!), and they were so pricey we decided to get only two front row tickets.
We both enjoyed the show so much. Dad really does enjoy seeing plays and musicals, so this was a real treat and bonding experience for us. The theater was packed, but being so close to the stage, we felt like we were the only ones in the room. And with stress running high for both of us, it was a welcome relief in which we laughed over and over again.
While I do like when I can do something with both of my parents, I do think the times I do something with just Dad or just Mom tend to stick out in my mind more as wonderful memories that I wish I could relive. So here’s to more bonding time with Dad.
And to these Cherry Garcia Bars. When I pulled them out of the oven, they looked a bit … unassuming. But the taste is out of this world. The bourbon, maple syrup, and vanilla sing through like a beautiful symphony (which Dad and I also saw together. He sat mostly patiently as I was riveted and he was … not 😉 ). The cherries burst in with their juicy flavor. And the shortbread crust. OMG! I will be using that recipe again and again.
Cherry Garcia Bars #SundaySupper
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 18 - 24 bars 1x
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter, melted
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- Seeds from ½ vanilla bean
- 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
Filling
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- Seeds from ½ vanilla bean
- 4 cups cherries, halved and pitted
- ¾ cup carob or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 9 by 13 inch pan.
- Make the crust. In a medium bowl, stir together butter, sugar, vanilla bean seeds, flour, and salt. Mix until combined. Pour into the prepared pan and press into an even layer. Bake about 17 minutes, until light golden brown.
- While the crust bakes, make the filling. In a medium bowl, stir together sugar, syrup, salt, butter, eggs, flour, bourbon, and vanilla bean seeds. Mix until fully combined and lightened slightly in color.
- Once the crust comes out of the oven, toss the cherries and chocolate or carob chips with the remaining tablespoon of flour until well coated. Pour the chocolate and cherries on top of the crust. Spread into an even layer.
- Top with filling, making sure it soaks into all of the corners. Bake an additional approximately 30 minutes. They should be bubbling and may seem overly buttery … but wait. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. Bars may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or frozen, individually wrapped in parchment and foil and placed in a zipper bag. Thaw at room temperature about 1 hour.
Notes
Recipe adapted from The Wanderlust Kitchen
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Don’t forget to check out the other Sunday Supper dishes!
Appetizers & Snacks:
- Best Popcorn Ever (with Nutritional Yeast!!) by The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Easy Homemade Pretzel Recipe by April Golightly
- Nana’s Pimento Cheese by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Beverage:
- Bourbon Sweet Tea Cocktail by Cosmopolitan Cornbread
Breakfast:
- Dad’s Favorite Blueberry Pancakes by Family Around The Table
- Steak & Egg Breakfast Skillet by Caroline’s Cooking
Condiments & Sauces:
- Beerinara by What Smells So Good?
- Homemade Refrigerator Pickle Relish by Renee’s Kitchen Adventures
Desserts:
- Apple Crisp by Ninja Baker
- Banana Berry Bread by Desserts Required
- Blackberry Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream by Simple and Savory
- Black Bourbon Walnut Brownies with Maple-Candied Bacon by The Crumby Cupcake
- Blueberry Ice Cream Cookie Bars by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Cherry Garcia Bars by Pies and Plots
- Chocolate Marshmallow Cupcakes by Crazed Mom Lifestyle & Recipes
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake by Grumpy’s Honeybunch
- Coconut Cream Pie by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Tempura Strawberries by Baking Sense
- German Chocolate Brownie Pie by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Graham Cracker Chocolate Chunk No-Churn Ice Cream by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Grilled Fruit Kabobs with Fresh Whipped Cream by Helpful Homemade
- Peach Crumble Bars by The Finer Cookie
- Personal Banana Cream Pie by Food Lust People Love
- Strawberry Rhubarb Pie by The Chef Next Door
- Maizena Tamal by Basic N Delicious
- Mom’s Carrot Cake by Jennifer Cooks
Main Dishes:
- Bacon Patty Melts by Cookin’ Mimi
- BBQ Salmon Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing by PancakeWarriors
- Beef Shepherd’s Pie Casserole by Cooking Chat
- Buffalo Chicken Tacos by Palatable Pastime
- Carolina-Style BBQ Burger by The Redhead Baker
- Coffee-Rubbed Prime Rib Roast by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Fried Chicken by Tramplingrose
- Grilled Chicken and Beef Stir Fry by The Freshman Cook
- Grilled Filet Mignon with Zip Sauce by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Italian Sausage and Peppers by Monica’s Table
- Moroccan Preserved Lemon Chicken Tagine by Curious Cuisiniere
- Philly Style Slow Roasted Pork Sandwich with Broccoli Rabe and Provolone by The Hungry Goddess
- Sharp Cheddar and Crispy Onion Burgers with Horseradish Sauce by A Mind Full Mom
- Skillet Spaghetti and Meatballs by From Gate to Plate
- Spicy Fish Tacos with Garlic-Chive Aioli by Wholistic Woman
- Turkey Chorizo Burgers with Guacamole by Books n’ Cooks
- Vegetarian “Philly Cheesesteak” by Take A Bite Out of Boca
- Walnut Cauliflower Zucchini Boats by Beauty and the Beets
Side Dishes:
- Chipotle Lime Cole Slaw by Dizzy Busy and Hungry
- The Ultimate BLT Pasta Salad by Cooking with Carlee
Plus What Dad Really Wants for Father’s Day from Sunday Supper Movement
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Such a sweet tribute to your dad! I’m loving these cherry filled bars—they look amazing!!
You’re so lucky to have done so many things with your Dad! Cherished memories for sure. Cherry Garcia is my most favourite falvour combo. Cherries, chocolate and vanilla. Perfect together. Fun reading trough your post.
Thanks, Kim! I am lucky for sure.
Oh my! These look so good and such a sweet post about your dad!
Your father sounds like an angel, Laura. He obviously loves you very much. And your cherry bars certainly sing your admiration of him! #bourbon and #maplesyrup – – yes please!!!
Yes – I’m a huge fan of bourbon and maple syrup too. Real maple syrup.
So fun to do things with just one of your parents sometimes. I agree, sometimes those memories are the ones that stand out. These bars are beautiful!
Thanks, Jennifer!
Great story! Yes, we as women often give Mom most or all the credit for our experiences but Dads are just as important and nice that you showed that appreciation! These bars look superb!!!! I love shortbread and cherries and of course, the name Garcia!!
I loved reading about your memories with your dad. Cherish them because I wish I had the chance to do more with my dad while he was alive. And those bars – amazing!!!!
I definitely try to enjoy my time with my parents – it is so special and life is always so complicated. We have to cherish the people we love. xo
Shortbread crust and cherries….you need say no more.