Spiced Raisin Bars
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total Prep: 35 minutes
Servings: 80 servings
Ingredients:
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2/3 cup vegetable shortening
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon rum extract
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 – 1/2 cups golden raisins
3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
Glaze (optional):
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons rum
2 teaspoons water
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Prepare a 15x10x1 jelly roll pan by greasing bottom the bottom and sides.
Mix together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. Sift all ingredients together twice.
Cream together shortening and sugar.
Add molasses, egg, rum extract, water, and vinegar.
Pour batter into baking pan evenly.
Bake 17-20 minutes until bars turn light brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Let cool for 10 minutes.
Turn the pan onto a cooling rack to cool for an additional 10 minutes.
Place on a cutting board.
Glaze (optional):
Combine confectioners’ sugar, rum, and water in a small bowl.
Brush glaze over the bars and allow to harden.
Cut bars into desired serving sizes.