Fruit 'n' Nut Spice Bars

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 min. Bake: 30 min. + cooling

MAKES: 48 servings

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries
• 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 3/4 cup miniature chocolate chips
• 1-1/3 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a small bowl, toss cherries with 1/4 cup flour; set aside. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and honey. Combine the baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and remaining flour; add to creamed mixture. Stir in nuts, chocolate chips and reserved cherries.
2. Spread into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. In a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, milk and vanilla until smooth; drizzle over warm bars. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Yield: 4 dozen.