Christmas Gumdrop Bars

Description

 * Yield: about 20 bars.

Ingredients

 * 1½ cups all-purpose flour
 * 1 tsp baking powder
 * ½ tsp salt
 * 1 tsp ground cinnamon
 * ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
 * ⅛ tsp ground mace
 * ⅓ cup vegetable shortening, soft
 * 1 cup packed light brown sugar
 * 1 large egg
 * 2 tsp vanilla extract
 * ¼ cup evaporated milk
 * 1 cup gumdrops, no licorice
 * ½ cup black walnuts, chopped
 * confectioner's sugar

Directions

 * 1) Preheat oven to 350°F.
 * 2) Lightly grease a 9 x 9 x 2 inch pan.
 * 3) Sift flour with baking powder, salt and spices. Set aside.
 * 4) Place shortening, brown sugar, egg and vanilla into large bowl.
 * 5) Use an electric mixer set at medium speed to beat mixture until light and fluffy.
 * 6) Add half the flour mixture and the evaporated milk and beat until smooth.
 * 7) Stir in remaining flour mixture until well combined.
 * 8) Add gumdrops and coarsely chopped walnuts (or pecans), mixing well.
 * 9) Spread evenly in prepared pan.
 * 10) Bake 25 – 30 minutes or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean.
 * 11) Remove pan to wire rack and cool partially.
 * 12) Cut into bars while still warm.
 * 13) Sprinkle lightly with sifted confectioner's sugar.