Day 3: 12 Days of Hope for Heidi Allen

When you open the Heidi Allen Cookbook, this is the first page you see.

Did you notice my Gram's note on the top, "Just the Grandmother"? This is evidence of my Gram's sense of humor. When the cookbooks were ordered, a few extras were ordered just in case. Those were sold before the order arrived and another printing was set into motion.

Three printings later, everyone who wanted one had theirs and we, the family, also were able to get one. The abundance and overflowing love and support of our community and complete strangers remains a blessing for us. 

This selfless love and generosity is a reminder on the tough days that #hopeforheidiallen is eternal as long as our wonderful community is here. Thank you all so much!

Monday
December 5th, 2023
Day 3 in #HopeforHeidiAllen series

Today's recipe:
​Glaced Spice Bars

This photo of me pulling my sister on the sled in my Gram and Aunt Nancy's driveway sums up our childhood.

We had fun, laughed, and were always with family. I had the joy to live next door to my mom's parents, my grandparents, and my Aunt Nancy, who cared for them. Regardless of the weather, the kids were outside playing and the adults were inside baking, cooking, reading, and enjoying each other's company. These are times to be cherished because they don't happen like this as much today.

Another reason I like this particular photo is because you can see our house in the background. If you were to recreate this photo today, County Route 1 runs through the fields. Growing up we didn't worry about cars traveling 65 mph or more, we simply walked next door.

Our only concern when outside running and playing was when the warm cookies and hot chocolate would be ready on days like this. 

Today, there are a multitude of things we could focus on and miss the moments. I challenge you to pray for today and tomorrow as they come and pray you don't let the concerns outweigh the blessings and opportunities to give this next generation the same blessings.

Glazed Spice Bars
​page 54

Ingredients for Bars:
2 cups raisins
2 cups water
2/3 cup Crisco (shortening)
3 1/2 cups Flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cloves
2 tsps. nutmeg
2 tsps. cinnamon

Ingredients for Icing: 
Confectioners Sugar
Butter
Vanilla
Milk

Directions:
1) Boil together raisins, water and Crisco for 3 - 5 minutes
2) Mix together remainder of ingredients
3) Stir all into boiled mixture.
4) Spread on greased and floured large cookie sheet
5) Bake at 350 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes (Do not Overbake)
6) Put a drizzle of icing over the top once cool

 Glazed Spice Bars
Epicurized 2 Ways

Recipe Option #1

Ingredients for Bars Epic Option #1
2 cups raisins
2 cups water
2/3 cup Crisco (shortening)
1 Epicure Carrot Cake mix

Directions (for option 1):
1) Make Epicure Carrot Cake as directed and let rest (sit) for 20 -30 minutes
2) Boil raisins, water & Crisco for 3 - 5 minutes
3) Add Epicure Carrot Cake 
4) Spread Epicure Sheet Pan with Epicure Silicone liner on sheet pan or pour into our Silicone Perfect Petite Pan (placing it on our sheet pan for stability)
5) Bake at 350 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes (Do not Overbake) If you use the Perfect Petite, check after 10 minutes, may be closer to 10 - 14 minutes
6) Let Cool

Once cool - add drizzle of icing all over the top (cut with Epicure silicone knife)

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Recipe Option #2

Ingredients for Bars Epic Option #2
2 cups raisins
2 cups water
2/3 cup Crisco (shortening)

3 1/2 cups GF Flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cloves (Epicure's when available)
2 tsps. nutmeg (Epicure's when available)
2 tsps. Epicure Cinnamon

Directions (option #2):
1) Boil together raisins, water and Crisco for 3 - 5 minutes
2) Mix together remainder of ingredients
3) Stir all into boiled mixture.
4) Spread Epicure Sheet Pan with Epicure Silicone liner on sheet pan.
5) Bake at 350 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes (Do not Overbake) If you use the Perfect Petite, check after 10 minutes, may be closer to 10 - 14 minutes
6) Let Cool

Once cool - add drizzle of icing all over the top (cut with Epicure silicone knife)

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​Ingredients for Icing: 
Confectioners Sugar
Butter
Vanilla
Milk

This is a soft and healthier treat this holiday.

Do you have a favorite "healthier" treat recipe to share?