Homemade Fig and Cranberry Squares: A Delightful Bake Sale Treat for Calgary Meals on Wheels

While the calendar might insist it’s far from autumn, and perhaps not the typical June weekend fare, sometimes inspiration strikes from the most unexpected places—or, in my case, from the overflowing collection of “bazillion baggies” in my pantry. Yes, that never-ending project of chipping away at forgotten ingredients continues, and this week, it began with a treasure trove of dried figs. The result? These incredibly comforting and utterly delicious Fig and Cranberry Squares, a recipe that surprisingly found its perfect moment amidst the vibrant energy of a summer bake sale.

This past weekend was truly special, marking the much-anticipated Food Bloggers’ Bake Sale. It was an event brimming with community spirit, all in fantastic support of Calgary Meals on Wheels, a charity close to many hearts. Hosted at the lively Market Collective, nestled within the charming old Anthill building in Kensington (at 148-10 St NW), it was a bustling hub of culinary creativity. The sale ran on Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM, with a modest admission of $2 or a food bank donation—a wonderful way to contribute even before tasting the treats.

Baking for a Cause: My Contribution to the Food Bloggers’ Bake Sale

My kitchen was a whirlwind of activity in preparation for the sale. I proudly baked a half dozen moist Blueberry & Ginger Banana Loaves, packed with flavor. There were also generous batches of delightful Cranberry, White Chocolate & Macadamia Nut Cookies, which always disappear quickly. For chocolate lovers, my renowned Brownies for a Crowd made an appearance. Of course, no communal event is complete without snacks, so I whipped up some Kettle Corn, which conveniently served as a delightful distraction for everyone watching the World Cup. And then there was the Sponge Toffee—a project that, admittedly, I burnt all to hell, but we learn from our kitchen mishaps, right?

Among this diverse spread, these Fig and Cranberry Squares stood out. Everyone knows and loves the classic date squares, affectionately known in some circles as “Matrimonial Slice” due to their enduring popularity at weddings and showers back in the fifties. What many might not realize is just how versatile these humble squares can be, taking on any number of delicious fillings beyond the traditional date. Here, I’ve given them a delightful twist, transforming them into a true crowd-pleaser that carries a subtle hint of autumn, even in the height of summer.

Crafting the Perfect Fig and Cranberry Squares

The magic of these squares lies in their simplicity and comforting flavors. We start with a rich, crumbly base and topping made from hearty rolled oats, sweet butter, and a touch of sugar. This creates a wonderfully textural contrast to the soft, jammy filling. The star of the show, however, is the filling itself: dried cranberries are cooked down with those previously-mentioned dried figs, creating a thick, lusciously sweet, and slightly tangy jam. The figs lend a deep, earthy sweetness and a satisfying chewiness, while the cranberries introduce a bright, tart counterpoint that balances the richness beautifully.

The process is straightforward: half of the oat mixture forms the bottom crust, providing a sturdy foundation. The warm, fragrant fruit filling is then spread generously over this base, allowing its vibrant flavors to meld. Finally, the remaining oat mixture is crumbled over the top, creating a rustic, golden-brown topping that bakes to a perfect crispness. The aroma that fills the kitchen as these bake is simply intoxicating—a blend of sweet fruit, toasted oats, and warm butter, a true essence of comfort food. While they might conjure images of fall and “back to school” coziness, their deliciousness transcends seasons, making them an ideal treat for any occasion, especially a charity bake sale where robust, travel-friendly desserts are highly prized. They hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for packaging and sharing, ensuring every bite is as good as the first.

The Pantry Project: Turning Staples into Specialties

The journey to these Fig and Cranberry Squares began, as mentioned, with a commitment to tackling my extensive pantry. Like many home cooks, I often find myself with an array of ingredients bought with good intentions, sometimes waiting patiently for their moment to shine. My “bazillion baggies” initiative is about giving these forgotten staples a new purpose, transforming them into something delicious and preventing food waste. It’s incredibly satisfying to look at a bag of dried figs, once a quiet resident of the cupboard, and envision it becoming the star of a delightful dessert.

This philosophy of using what you have not only encourages creativity in the kitchen but also promotes mindful consumption. It pushes me to experiment, to combine flavors I might not otherwise consider, and to appreciate the versatility of simple ingredients. It’s a rewarding challenge that continuously yields delicious results, like these squares, which prove that seasonality can sometimes take a back seat to inspiration and resourcefulness, especially when baking for a meaningful cause.

Supporting Calgary Meals on Wheels: More Than Just a Meal

Participating in the Food Bloggers’ Bake Sale was about far more than just sharing delicious recipes; it was about contributing to a vital community service. Calgary Meals on Wheels does incredible work, delivering nutritious and affordable meals to individuals who are unable to prepare food for themselves due to age, illness, or disability. Their service provides not just sustenance, but also a crucial point of human contact and a sense of security for many vulnerable people in our city.

Knowing that my efforts in the kitchen, along with those of countless other talented food bloggers, would directly benefit such an important organization made every burnt batch of toffee and every crumbly oat mixture worthwhile. Events like these highlight the power of community coming together, leveraging shared passions—in this case, a love for food and baking—to create a tangible positive impact on the lives of others. It’s a wonderful reminder that every small act of kindness, every square sold, helps to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry or feels forgotten.

A Good Read and Community Connections

Speaking of food (and aren’t I always finding a way to loop back to it?), I also have a fantastic food-centric read to give away for my ongoing “Free Stuff Friday” segment: a copy of Tara Austen Weaver’s insightful book, The Butcher and the Vegetarian. It’s an excellent summer read, delving into themes of food, identity, and personal connection in a truly captivating way. If you happen to be enjoying summer weather wherever you are, please do send some of it my way! (Thanks.)

On the note of past giveaways, a huge congratulations goes out to Jill, who was the lucky recipient of that delightful bowl filled with cookies, and also to Erica, whom I had the pleasure of catching up with and hanging out at GalleryCalorie last weekend! It’s always wonderful to connect with readers and fellow food enthusiasts, both online and in person.

Your Turn: What’s Cooking in Your Kitchen?

Now, shifting the spotlight from my kitchen to yours, I’m genuinely curious: what was for dinner last night? Or perhaps, what culinary adventure are you planning for this week? Share your recent meals, your favorite comfort foods, or any exciting new recipes you’ve discovered. I love hearing about what everyone else is cooking and gathering inspiration from the wonderful community of food lovers out there. Your stories and suggestions always spark new ideas and remind me of the endless possibilities that lie within our kitchens. Until next time, happy cooking and happy eating!