LEBKUCHEN (SPICE BARS)

Lebkuchen (Spice Bars) image

Provided by Shawnee TX

Time 15m

Yield 4 dozen bars, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon allspice, Ground
1/4 teaspoon clove, Ground
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 cups flour, Unbleached, Unsifted
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup almonds, Ground
1 teaspoon lemon, rind of, Grated
2 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup honey
1/2 cup milk
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon rum
1 tablespoon water

Steps:

Stir together the spices, salt flour, and baking powder.
Stir in the almonds and lemon rind.
In a separate bowl beat the eggs and sugar until a ribbon is formed when the beater is removed.
Stir in the honey and milk.
Gradually stir in the flour mixture; beat until smooth.
Spread the batter in an 11 X 17-inch jelly roll pan that is well greased and floured.
Bake at 400 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cake is done.
While the cake is still warm, turn it out onto a wire rack.
To make the almond glaze, mix the confectioners' sugar, almond extract, rum, and 1 to 2 T of water.
Beat until glaze is smooth and of the right consistency.
Add more water to thin if neccessary.
Spread the warm cake with the almond glaze.
Cut cake into 1 X 2 1/2-inch bars while still warm.
Spice bars keep 6 to 8 weeks in a sealed container if not glazed.