Raisin Bars

• 2 cups dark raisins
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 4 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. soda
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 1/4 cup margarine
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. ground allspice
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Combine raisins and water in saucepan. Bring to boiling and simmer for 5 minutes. Set raisins and liquid aside to cool. Blend flour, baking powder, soda and salt. Set aside. Cream margarine, sugar, eggs and vanilla together using electric beater. Beat until creamy and fluffy. Add dry ingredients, then raisins and liquid, spices and nuts. Mix well.

Bake in large loaf cake pans in 375 degree oven until top of dough springs back when touched lightly at center. Remove to cooling rack. When cool, frost. Yield: 72 bars.