Raisin Bar Cookies

Bar cookies are my favorite because they are so easy- you do not have to stand around the stove, taking cookies off the pan and putting more in the oven. These are actually more like a cake and are quite moist. I have made them by using either oil or palm oil shortening, which is healthier than regular vegetable shortening. My mom made these type of bars frequently when I was young, and they are healthy and very easy. They would be a nice cookie with tea or coffee or milk.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup shortening (I would use palm or coconut oil, as it is healthier)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp cardamom (optional)

Directions:

• Cook raisins and water for 5 minutes and cool. Set aside. 
• Cream oil and sugar; add egg and mix well. 
• In separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking soda and nutmeg and then add into the wet mixture. 
• Add the raisin mixture. 
• Spread on a greased 8x10 inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for approximately 35 minutes, or until cake tester/toothpick in the center comes out clean  (or may use 9x13 inch pan but check at 15-20 minutes). 
• Cool and then sprinkle with sifted confectioner's sugar, if desired. You could also put a light glaze over them made from 1 cup confectioner's sugar and a Tbsp of milk- more or less until the desired consistency is reached. A dash of nutmeg in the glaze would also be good, as well as 1/4 tsp of vanilla.

*Recipe adapted from Martha Morrison from the Elmira College Cookbook 1971.