Lebkuchen (Spice Bars)

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 4 dozen bars

Ingredients

• 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

• ALMOND GLAZE

• 1  cup confectioners' sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  almond extract
• 1  teaspoon rum
• 1  tablespoon water

Directions

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