Old New England Hermit Bars

If your from the New England area then I do not have to introduce you to these wonderful fragrant spice bars called "Hermits".  Every home town had a local bakery back when I was young and Hermits were one of their best sellers.  They also sold a few other great goodies that I am going to look up and share with you all, like Maid of Honors, Empire Cookies, and a host of others.



Here is the recipe....Enjoy.

Hermits

Yield: 6 strips

3 c Margarine
3/4 c Granulated sugar
3/4 c Brown sugar
3 c Flour
2 Eggs, beaten
1/4 c Molasses
1/8 c Water
1 ts Salt
1 ts Baking soda
1 ts Cinnamon
1 ts Ground cloves
1/2 ts Ground ginger
1 1/2 c Raisins
1 1/2 c Chopped walnuts
1 Egg plus
1 ts Water for egg wash

Cream margarine and sugars until fluffy. Add the 2 eggs, molasses and water, blend well. Slowly add the
dry ingredients and mix until well blended. Stir in the raisins and nuts.

Spread in 1 1/2" wide by 1/2" thick strips on a greased cookie sheet, (2 strips per standard sheet).
Lightly brush the strips with the egg wash to create a shiny surface. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately
12-15 minutes. The edges should appear brown and the center slightly brown. Remove sheets from oven and let sit on a cooling rack for about 5 minutes. Cut across the strips to form cookies. Take each piece off sheet and finish cooling on rack. Pack in layers of waxed paper in an airtight container.

From the Kitchen of Judy LaCapra to Craftyjamie (aka Carolyn, the Crafty Gourmet)
5/20/11

Excellent recipe.