Raisin Bars

These were a family staple for years.  Mom still makes them a lot.  Maybe because they are so quick?  I don't know of too many other bars that bake for 15 minutes.  OK, I don't know of any.  Now note that my bars look kind of thin and scraggly.  Nice, huh?  That's what happens when you bake them in a slightly too big pan and then cut them while hot.  You may not want to imitate me.  On the other hand they tasted good!  These always seem a tad bit on the rubbery side to me.  So I experimented by leaving out 1/2 cup of flour.  They were fine, maybe a little teensy bit less rubbery?  Maybe that's why they were thinner?  : )

Sooo, you need:

1/2 c butter, melted

1 c sugar

1 egg, beaten

2 1/2 c flour

1 t cinnamon

1 t nutmeg

1 t cloves

1 t salt

1 c raisins

1 1/2 c water

1 t baking soda

1 c nuts, optional

Boil raisins in water in a small pan until reduced to 1 cup water, drain, save water.  Beat butter, sugar and egg together.  Combine dry ingredients and nuts, add to wet.  Add raisins.  Add soda to saved hot water, add to batter, stir well.  Pour into a greased 10x15 pan.  Bake at 375 degrees until firm, 15ish minutes.  Remove, drizzle with glaze.

Glaze:

1 c powdered sugar

1 t vanilla

enough hot water to make a thin icing.