Hermit Bars (adapted from Cook’s Illustrated)

By zircon50

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mace (or pinch of nutmeg)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (use less if using salted butter)
• 1 cup raisins (plumped)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 1 egg, beaten

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cream together butter and sugar using high speed of electric mixer. Beat for 3 minutes. Beat in eggs and molasses.

In a separate bowl, stir together all dry ingredients. Stir dry ingredients into molasses mixture. Stir in raisins and nuts.

Line two baking sheets with parchment or silpats. Divide dough into 2 sections and form two logs of about 14×2 inches. Brush logs with beaten egg.

Bake for 15 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes. Slice each log at an angle about 2 inches thick.

Makes about 16 bars.