Carole’s “Take Some Home with You” Spice Bars

This recipe is from my friend Carole Covington. She brings them to our Wednesday afternoon Bible class. Not that we need any reason to get there early, but these don’t always last.

Bars

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

¾ cup vegetable oil

¼ cup honey

1 large egg, beaten

1 cup pecans, chopped

1 cup dried cranberries, optional

Glaze

1 tablespoon water

1 tablespoon mayonnaise

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup powdered sugar

To make the bars: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon in a large bowl and set aside. In a small bowl mix together the vegetable oil, honey, and beaten egg. Pour the egg mixture over the flour mixture, stirring to incorporate. Add the pecans and dried cranberries and mix well. The mixture will be stiff. Press evenly into an ungreased 9 × 13-inch baking pan and bake for 20 minutes. Glaze while the bars are hot. Allow to cool before slicing.

To make the glaze: In a small bowl combine the water, mayonnaise, and vanilla extract. Stir in the powdered sugar, stirring until smooth. Drop by spoonfuls onto the bars and spread evenly.

Makes 24 servings.