Spice-filled Dessert-Lebkuchen

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup molasses

• 1/4 cup buttermilk

• 1/2 teaspoon anise extract

• 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon each ground allspice, cardamom and cloves

• 1/2 cup ground walnuts

• 1/2 cup raisins

• 1/2 cup pitted dates

• 1/2 cup candied lemon peel

• 1/3 cup flaked coconut

• 1/4 cup candied orange peel

• 3 tablespoons candied pineapple

For Glaze:

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup water

• 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

METHOD

• Preheat oven to 350°

• Line a 15x10x1-in. baking pan with parchment paper.

• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in molasses, buttermilk and extract. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, allspice, cardamom and cloves; gradually add to creamed mixture and beat well. Stir in walnuts.

• Place raisins, dates, lemon peel, coconut, orange peel and pineapple in a food processor; pulse until chopped. Stir into batter; press into prepared pan. Bake 25-28 minutes or until lightly browned.

• For glaze, in a small saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil; boil 1 minute. Remove from heat; whisk in confectioners’ sugar. Spread over warm bars. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. 

Yield: 3 dozen.