Hermit Bars

Why I Love This Recipe
(adapted from Cook’s Illustrated)
Ingredients You'll Need
8 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup molasses
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground mace (or pinch of nutmet
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt (use less if using salted butter)
1 cup raisins (plumped)
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
1 egg, beaten
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Cream together butter and sugar using high speed of electric mixer.
Beat for 3 minutes.
Beat in eggs and molasses.
In a separate bowl, stir together all dry ingredients.
Stir dry ingredients into molasses mixture.
Stir in raisins and nuts.
Line two baking sheets with parchment or silpats.
Divide dough into 2 sections and form two logs of about 14×2 inches.
Brush logs with beaten egg.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Let cool for 15 minutes.
Slice each log at an angle about 2 inches thick. Makes about 16 bars.