Lebkuchen (Spice Bars)

DIRECTIONS

• 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.