Hermit bars...don't eat these alone... : )

Do you like my fancy plating?

I love hermits. I have never met one because they are a bit hard to find, you know that whole seclusion thing they got going on. : ) For those of you who don't know what a hermit is here is the wikepedia def: "A hermit is a person who lives, to some degree, in seclusion from society." This is not to be confused with a "Monk"...those guys also live alone but they also make chocolate...love that. : ) I guess I always thought hermit bars were just oatmeal raisin cookies baked in the bar formation...apparently I was once again misinformed. Go figure.

I made these bars on a whim, on a Wednesday, with some walnuts, and WOW...were they WOW! They were chewy, and rich in flavor. Kudos to Real Simple for this winner of a recipe. These bars are pretty sturdy making them a great addition to any lunch box, picnic, breakfast, or heck...any empty hand or mouth.

Hermit Bars
Real Simple

In small bowl sift the following and set aside:

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp kosher salt

In large bowl mix with beaters until fluffy:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter at room temp
1 1/4 cup brown sugar

Then add and beat until smooth about 2-3 minutes:
2 eggs (room temp)
1/4 cup molasses

Add the following to the dry ingredients and toss together then add to the wet and mix until just combined:

1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts

Pour into greased or parchment lined pan 9x13 cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes until set. Cool and slice into bars.