1 cup chopped pecans ………………….......................... 2 eggs
1 cup chopped dried apricots and/or mini-morsel chocolate chips
1 cup sifted powdered sugar……………...................... 3 TB melted butter
1-1/2 tsp baking powder…………………...................... 3/4 cup flour
1 tsp salt.............................................................................1 tsp. cinnamon
1 TB BRANDY..................................................................1 tsp brandy extract
1/2 tsp EACH nutmeg AND cloves
1/2 cup mixed candied fruits and/or raisins (I like Golden)
1/4 cup chopped or halved candied cherries
***
Preheat oven to 275. Spray an 8" square pan with non-stick baking spray (containing flour). ** In a small bowl, combine whatever candied fruit, raisins, and dried fruit that you'll be using. Add the 1 TB. Brandy and mix to coat everything. Let it macerate while you prepare the batter.
Beat eggs until foamy. Gradually beat in the sifted sugar. Stir in melted butter. ~ Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir into the first mixture. Fold in the nuts, chocolate chips and fruits (with the brandy in the small bowl). Spread the batter in the prepared pan. Bake at 275° for about 45 to 55 minutes. Cool and cut into bars.
GLAZE: (I like to do this when the bars are hot from the oven)
Start with 3/4 cup powdered sugar, whisking in liquid (Brandy, Rum, Triple Sec or Orange Juice) about 1 TB at a time, until smooth and semi-thick consistency. Adjust by adding more sugar/liquid until consistency is right. Spread over HOT bars for a shiny, clear glaze ~ It will be a white glaze or drizzle if you do it on cooled bars.