Peach and Cherry Shortbread Bars

I wanted a dessert for Sunday that would use peaches. I found an interesting recipe at Smitten Kitchen, and made Peach and Cherry Shortbread Bars.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks or 8 ounces or 227 grams) cold unsalted butter
• 1 cup (7 ounces or 200 grams) white sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking powder
• 359 gram (12 5/8) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• dash of garam masala 
• dash all spice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 2 to 3 large peaches, pitted and thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
• 1 cup cherries, pitted (optional) and sliced into sliver (such as quarters)

1. Slice butter into pats then place in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a lid to minimize splatters.
2. Microwave butter at high for 4-6 minutes, checking every 1 minute or so after the first 3 minutes. The butter will melt, turn clear, then pop, and finally begin to brown.
3. The solids in the butter should get deep brown in color, and it will all be nutty in aroma.
4. Set it in the freezer until solid (about 30 minutes).
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). 
6. Spray a 9×13 inch pan with cooking spray. 
7. In a stand mixer bowl, whisk the sugar, baking powder, flour, salt and spices together. 
8. Cut the solidified brown butter into pea sized chunks.
9. Blend the butter and egg into the flour mixture into it forms large crumbs.
   
   
10. Pour 3/4 of the crumbs into the prepared pan, and pat and press in firmly.
    
    
11. Place peach slices over crumb base in a single layer. 
12. If you are using cherries, sprinkle the cherry slices over the peaches.
    
    
13. Scatter remaining crumbs evenly over peaches and bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, until top is slightly brown and you can see a little color around the edges.
    
14. Cool completely in pan before cutting into squares.

Carole's Notes:

These turned out really good. I will make them again with other fruits!

The recipe is lightly adapted from https://smittenkitchen.com/2010/09/peach-shortbread/