---------- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.05

     Title: Applesauce, Date and Raisin Squares
Categories: Cookies
     Yield: 16 Cookies

     1 c  Plus 3 tbsp. all-purpose
          - flour; unsifted
   1/2 ts Baking powder
   1/4 ts Salt
     1 ts Ground cinnamon
     1 ts Nutmeg; freshly grated
   1/2 ts Ground ginger
   1/4 ts Ground allspice
   1/3 c  Raisins
     6 tb Unsalted butter and
     1 tb Solid shortening; melted
          - together and cooled
   3/4 c  Dark brown sugar; packed
     2    Extra-large eggs
     2 ts Vanilla extract
   1/2 c  Applesauce
   1/3 c  Pitted dates; coarse chopped
          Confectioners' sugar (opt'l)

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Film the inside of a 9-by-9-by-2-inch
 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
   Stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger
 and allspice in a large mixing bowl. Toss the raisins with 1 tsp. of the
 flour mixture and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the
 butter-shortening mixture, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract and
 applesauce. Pour the liquid ingredients over the flour mixture, add the
 raisins and dates, and stir to form a batter.
   Spoon the batter into the prepared pan.  Bake in the preheated oven for
 22 to 24 min., or until set. Place on a cooling rack and cool completely.
 Cut into 16 squares. For serving, sift a little confectioners' sugar over
 the top of the squares, if you wish. (Makes
      16    bar cookies)
   "Serve these cake-like bars very fresh, with warm cider or strong
 coffee."
   (Washington Post, 8/31/95; Lisa Yockelson) From: Gizmowidge

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