Blueberry Cookie Bars

Yesterday afternoon I decided I needed to make something for dessert.  I was tired of the usual fare, but wanted some type of cookie.  What to do, what to do.  I opened up my refrigerator and saw some fresh blueberries, and that's when it all came together --- Blueberry Cookie Bars!

 

Ingredients: 
    For the bottom layer:
        1 1/2 C. all purpose flour
        1/2 C. powdered sugar
        3/4 C. (1 1/2 sticks) butter, cut into pieces and at room
                   temperature
    For the blueberry layer:
        2 C. fresh blueberries
        1/2 C. granulated sugar
        1 1/2 T. cornstarch
        1 t. lemon juice 
        1 T. butter, cut into small pieces
    For the streusel layer:
        1 C. all purpose flour
        1/2 C. firmly packed brown sugar
        1/2 t. ground cinnamon
        7 T. butter, cut into pieces and at room temperature

Method:
Preheat oven to 425ºF.
In a medium bowl, combine the 1 1/2 C. flour and powdered sugar.  With a pastry cutter, cut in butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.  Press into a 13"x 9" baking pan.
Place the blueberries in a medium bowl, and toss with the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice, trying not to crush the blueberries.  Spread evenly over the shortbread mix in the pan and dot with butter pieces.
In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the 1 C. flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon; cut in the butter until well mixed.  Sprinkle in a even layer over the blueberries.
Bake in the oven 20 min., or until the blueberries have broken down into a lovely jam and the streusel and bottom are golden brown.
Let cool, slice into bars and serve.

It's also delicious served warm with vanilla ice cream.