Holiday Spice Bars

These bar cookies contain mixed candied fruits & peels, pecans, and pumpkin pie spice in an oat batter flavored with orange and molasses.

Ingredients:

• 3/4c. frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed, undiluted
• 1/2 c. quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1/2 c. mixed candied fruits and peels
• 1/2 c. chopped pecans
• 1/2 c. shortening
• 1/2 c. packed brown sugar
• 1/2 c. molasses
• 1 egg
• 2 c. all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Directions:

Cream together shortening and brown sugar. Add egg and molasses; mix well. Add rolled oats, candied fruit, nuts, and juice concentrate; blend well. Add dry ingredients and blend well. Pour into greased 13-by-9 inch baking pan; spread evenly. Bake at 325 degrees for 40 minutes. When done baking, sprinkle powdered sugar on top, then allow to cool before cutting into 3-by-1 inch bars.

Number of Servings: Serves 6-8