Lebkuchen Jewels

A traditional German treat at Christmas, this gingerbread-like cookie bar is studded with dried fruits and nuts, iced with a lemon glaze and garnished with candied cherries and citron.

Recipe Ingredients:

3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 cup honey
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup mixed candied fruits
1/2 cup citron
1 cup chopped walnuts
Lemon Glaze (recipe follows)
Candied cherries and citron for garnish

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 15 x 10 x 1-inch jelly roll pan; set aside.
2. In large mixing bowl, beat sugar and egg until smooth and fluffy. add honey, lemon peel and juice; beating well.
3. In medium bowl, sift flour with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda and salt; gradually mix into egg-sugar mixture on low speed.
4. Stir in fruits and nuts. Spread batter in prepared baking pan.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
6. Cool slightly in on wire rack; brush with Lemon Glaze. Cool completely.
7. Cut into diamonds and decorate with candied cherries and slivers of citron, if desired. Store covered in container for up to 1 month.

Makes 48 bars.

Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup powdered sugar with enough lemon juice (1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons) to make a thin glaze.