Push Pins and Caramel Cranberry Bars

Follow up from the last post:

Courtney sent this:

"I just read you post from earlier and I wanted to mention that I've done something similar to make thumb tacks/push pins before. You just get a bunch of push pins and some of those round glass rocks (like the ones that are used in the bottom of flower arrangements and aquariums, etc). Make sure they are flat on one side. On the flat side you glue the picture (either photographs or magazine cutouts will work) PICTURE SIDE DOWN. This will make it so that the picture shows through when you glue the thumb tack to the rock. Obviously you have to use small pictures in order for them to fit on the rock, but they do kind of magnify the picture so it looks really neat on your bulletin board. It's a cool twist to the magnet gift idea. Maybe people could make a set of magnets and push pins to match...?"

And because it's the last weekend before Thanksgiving, perhaps we all need to treat ourselves to another cranberry-licious treat, sent in by Devan.

Caramel Cranberry Bars

Ingredients:
1 package fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed (I used fresh, 14 oz)
1 pkg (8 oz) chopped dates
3/4 cup pecans (I skipped these)
2 TBSP + 1/2 cup sugar divided
2 1/3 cup all purpose flour, divided
2 cups oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup caramel ice cream topping (I used sugar free, about 75% of the
small jar)

In a small bowl, mix together cranberries, dates, 2 TBSP sugar and pecans. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine 2 c flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and remaining sugar. Stir in butter. Set aside 1 c of mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture into greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, place the remaining flour in a small bowl. Mix with caramel topping. Set aside. When crust is done, sprinkle cranberry mixture evenly over crust. Drizzle caramel topping over that. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

She says, "YUM! It's tart! It's sweet! It's crispy and chewy and pretty!" Which sounds quite promising.

What are you guys doing for Thanksgiving this year?