I've had this recipe for years and oft enjoyed it. These bars are the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of tea or coffee on a cold blustery day--and quickly mixed up from the staples in your pantry. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. In a sauce pan mix:
1 cup raisins
1 cup water
Bring to a boil, then add:
1/2 cup oil or melted shortening or butter
Let cool. Now add the rest:
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 and 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
optional: 1/4 teaspoon cloves, 1/2 cup nuts
Mix together, pour into a greased 9x13 pan and bake until done--careful not to over bake. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Enjoy. Hint: if you are not using oil, add the butter or shortening to the boiled raisin water mixture when you take it off the heat-- so it will melt. It saves on washing up. Also, all you need is a spoon to mix this. Quick, easy, economical, tasty.