Hermits

These brownie-like desserts are filled with spices not chocolate and are best with a scoop of home-made vanilla ice cream.

¾ cup flour
1 ½ tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. grated nutmeg
¼ tps. cloves
¼ tsp. allspice
1 ½ cup raisins
½ cup butter, at room temp.
½ cup sugar
2 eggs
½ cup molasses
½ cup walnuts, chopped

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line the bottom and sides of a 13x9-inch pan with wax paper and grease.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, and spices.

Place the raisins in another bowl and toss with a few tablespoons of the flour mixture.

With an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then the molasses. Stir in the flour mixture, raisins, and walnuts.

Spread evenly in the pan. Bake until just set, 15-18 minutes. Let cool in the pan before cutting into bars. Serve with a dollop of ice cream on top.

Yield: 30 bars