A beloved flavourful treat that has been carried off to school in many a lunch bags. These are sure to call forth many happy childhood memories! Mom might have made them in cookie-form but in these busy times it is quick and easy to make them as bars.

1 cup Butter

1 1/2 cups Brown Sugar, packed

3 Large Eggs

2 teaspoons Vanilla

3 cups Flour

1 teaspoon Baking Powder

1 teaspoon Baking Soda

1 teaspoon Salt

1 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon Nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon Allspice

1 cup Raisins, soaked and well drained

1 cup chopped Dates

1 cup chopped Nuts

Preheat oven to 350F.

Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.

In medium mixing bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice; set aside.

Cream butter and sugar together.

Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla.

Gradually add dry ingredients and mix well.

Add fruit and nuts, stirring well to evenly distribute.

Spread evenly onto prepared jelly roll pan.

Bake in 350F oven for 20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden and center is set.

Cool slightly, then dust with a bit of powdered sugar.

Cut into bars.

Remove bars from baking tray and cool completely on wire racks.