Celebrate Pyrex anniversary with dessert bars

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This year, 2015, seems to be a big year for anniversaries. It is the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta by King John, the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, and the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camp, Auschwitz. On a lighter note, it is the 50th anniversary of the release of one of my favorite movies, “The Sound of Music.”

Now I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a major anniversary that was connected to the category of food, wouldn’t I? So I was pleased to learn that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the invention of Pyrex glass baking dishes. The first Pyrex bake ware pieces were launched back in 1915 and soon became a staple in kitchens across America.

Developed by scientists at Corning Glass Works, borosilicate glass was originally used for railroad lantern globes. The temperature resistant glass proved to be irresistible to Bessie Littleton, wife of a Corning scientist, who decided to bake a sponge cake in some cast-off glass jars that her husband brought home from the lab.

Bessie’s baking experiment showed that not only did the glass conduct uniform heat, it also shortened baking times and was easy to clean, all attractive qualities for the home baker. Seeing a new use for their product and a potential market, Corning began to produce ovenware dishes for domestic consumers.

With the help of home economists, test kitchens, and customer feedback, Corning continued to test, evaluate, and design new glass products that eventually made their way into 80 million American homes and kitchens.

Pyrex is celebrating their centennial in many creative ways. Among these, they have released a limited edition 100-year anniversary product line of bake ware and storage ware that includes colorful measuring cups, storage bowls, and pie plates that have nostalgic charm and vintage designs on them.

Also, they have created the World’s Largest Measuring Cup. Really. In a cute and kitschy marketing move, the company has their giant glass measuring cup currently touring the country to promote the anniversary of the Pyrex brand.

And finally, to show it is no slouch in social media networking, Pyrex has been introducing exciting giveaway promotions on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Folks can post photos of their Pyrex pieces for a chance to win daily and monthly prizes that include Pyrex glass ware and trips.

Growing up, I remember my mom baking everything from roast chicken to enchiladas to brownies in our 9×13 Pyrex glass pan. It seemed to be indestructible and followed us on our cross country moves every few years to my dad’s new duty station. When I eventually moved out and set up house, a Pyrex baking dish was one of the first things I bought to stock my kitchen.

This week’s recipe is baked, naturally, in a Pyrex dish and comes from the website Chow.com. These chewy almond bars are reminiscent of Italian almond cookies. If you’ve never had those, think almond topped brownies, minus the chocolate.

These bars are sweet enough to be dessert, but I have to confess they are devastatingly good with a cup of coffee in the morning. Enjoy baking and eating these as you celebrate the invention of Pyrex, the signing of the Magna Carta, or whatever anniversary you are commemorating this year.

Chewy Almond Squares

• Yields 16 squares
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 cup flour
• Pinch salt
• 2 tsp pure almond extract
• Chopped or slivered almonds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour an 8×8 Pyrex baking dish.

In a medium bowl, beat eggs until light in color. Add sugar and beat until combined. Add oil, baking powder, flour, salt and extract and mix well. Pour batter into prepared baking dish. Liberally sprinkle the top with either chopped or slivered almonds. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a baking rack before cutting. Ingredients can be doubled and baked in a 9×13 pan.