Applesauce, Date and Raisin Squares

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)

Enjoy.

Contributed by :

 * World Recipes Y-Group