Cranberry Bars

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle.

   Step 2

   Line a 9-inch square baking pan with 2 crisscrossed sheets of foil, leaving an overhang on 2 opposite sides, then butter foil.

   Step 3

   Blend butter, flour, salt, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a food processor until mixture begins to clump together. Press into bottom of pan.

   Step 4

   Bake until pale golden and sides begin to pull away from pan, 25 to 30 minutes.

   Step 5

   While crust is baking, cook cranberries, remaining 2/3 cup granulated sugar, and water in a 2-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until berries burst, 6 to 8 minutes.

   Step 6

   Pour cranberries over crust and bake until edge is golden, about 25 minutes.

   Step 7

   Sift confectioners sugar over top and cool completely in pan on a rack. Lift out of pan using foil overhang and cut into 12 squares, then sift more confectioners sugar over top.