Sandra's blue-ribbon treats

Food Network star and TV host Sandra Lee shares her competition-worthy desserts

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Cranberry Bars

Dried cranberries add just the right amount of tanginess to Sandra's cool and creamy squares

2½ cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs ½ cup butter, melted 4 (8 oz.) pkgs. + 4 oz. cream cheese, at room temp.

1 cup granulated sugar

3 tsp. vanilla extract

4 eggs

1 (12 oz.) pkg. white chocolate chips

1½ cups dried cranberries

½ cup confectioners' sugar

3-4 Tbs. milk

Heat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. In bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and butter. Press into bottom of prepared pan. Bake 10 min. Cool completely, about 30 min.

Reduce oven temp. to 325°F. In large bowl, beat 4 pkgs. cream cheese, granulated sugar and 2 tsp. vanilla on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, just until blended. Fold half of white chocolate chips and half of dried cranberries into batter. Pour over prepared crust. Sprinkle remaining white chocolate chips and remaining cranberries over batter. Bake 30-35 min., or until edges are set but center still jiggles slightly. Cool in pan on wire rack, about 1 hr.

For drizzle, beat remaining cream cheese until creamy. Beat in confectioners’ sugar. Stir in remaining vanilla. Add 3 Tbs. milk and stir to thoroughly combine. Add more milk as needed to get desired consistency; drizzle on top. Cut into 12 bars (approximately 3"x3").

Servings: 12. Active time: 35 min. Total time: 3 hrs.

Candy Apple Cake

Apple-kissed cake and brown sugar icing make it irresistible

1 (15.25 oz.) box spice cake mix

1 1/2 cups apple juice

1/3 cup applesauce

3 eggs

2 sticks butter (1/2 lb.)

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

5 cups confectioners' sugar