Recipe: Frosted Gingerbread Bars (with cream cheese frosting, 1980's)

FROSTED GINGERBREAD BARS

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup light molasses
1/2 cup boiling water
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe follows)
Walnut halves (for decorating)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an (11 x7 x1 1/2-inch) baking pan.

Combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a mixer bowl beat shortening with an electric mixer on medium speed about 30 seconds. Add brown sugar; beat till fluffy. Add egg and molasses; beat 1 minute. Add dry ingredients and water alternately to beaten mixture; beat after each addition.

Stir in chopped nuts. Turn into prepared pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes or till done. Cool on wire rack.

When cool, frost with Cream Cheese Frosting. Cut into squares and top each square with a walnut half. Store bars in the refrigerator.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

1/2 of a 3 ounce package cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sifted powdered sugar

In a mixer bowl beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar; beat till smooth.

Makes 15 bars
Source: Better Homes and Gardens Creative Ideas, Baking Ideas, Spring 1984