fruity old-fashioned hermit bars
These were traditionally taken on long voyages by New England seamen, made lovingly by their sweethearts. Or moms! There are many versions, this one combines ingredients from several of them.
No Image
prep time
20 Min
cook time
35 Min
method
Bake
yield
24 bars
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon mace (or nutmeg)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white sugar
- 3/4 cup butter, soft
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup candied ginger, chopped
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
How To Make fruity old-fashioned hermit bars
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Step 1Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease 9x13 pan and line with parchment paper, leaving some hanging over both sides
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Step 2Whisk together dry ingredients. (If you prefer, use 3 cups of cake flour instead of all-purpose flour + cornstarch.)
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Step 3In a mixer, beat butter and sugar on high until light and fluffy. Mix in molasses.
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Step 4Reduce speed and add dry ingredients until it is a soft dough. Add cranberries and candied ginger.
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Step 5Press evenly into prepared pan. Bake until puffy for about 25-30 minutes. Let cool completely in pan.
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Step 6Mix together the powdered sugar, some of the orange zest and juice until smooth. Use more sugar or more juice until of the right consistency.
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Step 7Drizzle over cooled bar. Optionally, sprinkle with extra zest and minced ginger.
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Step 8Cut into bars. Store in airtight container. They get better with age, or so they say!
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
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