Ingredients:

1/4 cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar, firmly-packed
1/2 cup strong, good-quality hot coffee
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/4 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup raisins (use golden raisins for a milder flavor)
1/2 cup almonds or hazelnuts, chopped

Ingredients for frosting:

1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk

Procedure:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, cream together shortening and brown sugar. Stir in coffee. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, soda, salt and cinnamon. Stir into sugar mixture. Blend in raisins and nuts.

Spread into prepared pan. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 20 minutes. Cut into bars.

FOR FROSTING:
Blend together powdered sugar and salt. Mix in vanilla and milk. Spread frosting over cooled bars.

Serving Size:

12 to 15 Servings