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

TO PREPARE:

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.

FROSTING:

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

SERVINGS: 12 - 15

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