Nutcracker Bars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup white sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, baking soda and salt. Mix in the walnuts, raisins and white sugar.
3. Press the dough into the prepared baking pan.
4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown. Let cool before cutting into bars.

Interesting Facts

• The nutcracker is a traditional holiday symbol, popularized by the ballet of the same name.
• The sweet and spicy flavor of these nutcracker bars is reminiscent of the flavors of Christmas.
• Nutmeg is a spice that is native to the Caribbean.