RAISIN AND SPICE BARS

 

 

 

INGREDIENTS:

1 ¾ cups Cake Flour                                ¼ cup Light Brown Sugar

½ tsp. ground Ginger                               1 Extra Large Egg

½ tsp. ground Cinnamon                          ½ cup Molasses

1 tsp. Baking Soda                                    3/8 cup Milk

¼ tsp. Salt                                              1 cup Raisins, plumped*

1½ cup unsalted Butter

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degree and adjust the rack to the center position.
2. Spray a 9x 12 baking dish with a Vegetable Spray.
3. Sift together the Flour, Spices, Soda and Salt.
4. Cream the Butter together with the Sugar and Egg.
5. Add the Molasses and Milk and mix well to combine.
6. Stir in the Flour Mixture, being sure to combine all the dry ingredients together with the wet ingredients.
7. Stir in the Raisins and transfer the mixture to the prepared pan.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before cutting into bars.
10. If desired, spread with a thin Confectioner’s Sugar Glaze** or a Cream Cheese Frosting.

 

 

*  To plumb the raisins, cover with boiling water and allow to stand for 5 minutes.  Pour into a colander and drain well.  If needed, blot with a paper towel before adding to the batter.

 

 

** To make a Glaze, use one cup powdered Sugar;  add 1 Tbsp. melted Butter and enough warm milk to make a thin glaze.  Add ½ tsp. Vanilla if desired.