Christmas Gumdrop Bars

Ingredients

 * 1 1/2 	cup 	all-purpose flour
 * 1 	tsp 	baking powder
 * 1/2 	tsp 	salt
 * 1 	tsp 	Ground cinnamon
 * 1/8 	tsp 	Ground nutmeg
 * 1/8 	tsp 	Ground mace
 * 1/3 	cup 	vegetable shortening, soft
 * 1 	cup 	Packed light brown sugar
 * 1 		Large egg
 * 2 	tsp 	vanilla extract
 * 1/4 	cup 	evaporated milk
 * 1 	cup 	Gumdrops, no licorice
 * 1/2 	cup 	black walnuts, chopped
 * confectioner's sugar

Directions

 * 1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
 * 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.
 * 14) Yield: about 20 bars.