Candied Fruit Bars
1 cup raisins
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons candied orange peel
1/4 cup chopped candied cherries
1/4 cup finely chopped citron
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
2-1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Directions:
Place the raisins in a microwave container and add 2 tablespoons of water. Microwave on high for 1 minute and allow to stand in microwave for 5 more minutes. Discard any excess liquid. Drain raisins on a paper towel; chop and set aside in a mixing bowl.
In a small mixing bowl, combine orange peel, chopped cherries, chopped citron, chopped walnuts, lemon extract, and orange juicel Stir well and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Beat well. Add egg and beat well.
Sift flour, baking powder, salt, soda, cinnamon and nutmeg over the chopped raisins and blend well. Add to the shortening mixture a little at a time, blending well. Add fruit mixture and stir well. Let dough stand covered for 1 hour. Press evenly into a well-greased 13x9" cake pan. Bake at 400° for 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cut into small bars. Remove bars from pan immediately and cool completely on wire racks.
