Bars and Squares
Christmas Cookies

• 1 cup raisins
• 2 tablespoons candied orange rind
• 1/4 cup chopped candied cherries
• 1/4 cup finely chopped citron
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Combine raisins with hot water to cover in a small mixing bowl. Let stand 5 minutes. Drain and dry on a paper towel; chop. Set aside.

Combine orange rind, cherries, citron, walnuts, lemon extract, and orange juice, stirring well. Set aside.

Cream shortening in a large mixing bowl; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add egg, beating well.

Combine flour, baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chopped raisins; blend well. Add to creamed mixture, stirring until smooth. Add reserved fruit mixture, stirring well. Cover and let dough stand 1 hour. Press dough evenly into a greased 13x9x2 inch baking pan. Bake at 400° for 12 to 15 minutes. Cut into 2×1 inch bars. Remove from pan immediately, and cool on wire racks.

Yield: about 4 1/2 dozen.

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