Since I've started blogging, I'm always looking for new recipes, exciting and creative twists on classic desserts. Sometimes, ordinary is good. First it was THE snickerdoodles. Then it was the apple crisp. Now it's these spice bars. This recipe has been used by my grandma, my mom, and now us kids for years. When we've had company, they'll tell stories of when they first tried these at our house (not kidding, it's kind of scary) and my brothers are practically famous for this among their friends. Yes,my brothers. You can totally pull this off and become famous in your circle of friends, too. Because these are truly the best ever spice bars.
I remember bringing these to Awana for some section and Miranda, bless her heart, thought spice bars had cooking spices in them (like pepper and garlic salt) and was very hesitant to try them. These are packed with cinnamon and brown sugar and allspice and vanilla, the spices if the sweet side. Honestly, we make this year round, all the time, so this may seem seasonal to you, and maybe even exciting, but to me, these are waaaaay ordinary. But that's okay. Because they're darn good, too. They're moist, yet firm, and sweet and spicy. The glaze hardens to create that finished look, but still cuts easily. There is a reason the recipe has lasted through three generations!
Why does ordinary get such a bad rap? It's like it's taboo to be normal. Our world is constantly advertising something new and exciting, whether it be in fashion or electronics or food. It's as if our status raises by being ahead and different. It's all about being different and unique. But when push comes to shove, I fall back on my old tried and true recipes. Or my favorites jeans style that I know I like. I like the thrill of something new as much as anyone else, but I also know know new doesn't always equate best. Unique doesn't always equate right. Just because its popular doesn't mean it's good. But I want it because I want to be different ... But I only end up blending in with the thousands of other people. I forget ordinary is relative. I forget its not ordinary for everyone to have three meals a day. It's not ordinary to be able to afford three pairs of jeans. Also, it's not ordinary to be homeschooled. Are any of those things wrong? No. Any of them ordinary? Some are in America, some aren't in Africa. Some aren't in America, some are in Africa. It depends and I don't want my definition of ordinary to come from such a limited perspective as what our culture says.
Aaaaaand I got all deep on you ... was not my goal. I can never seem to stay on track in my posts! Anyways, these are incredible (for all the reasons aforementioned!)
Best Ever Glazed Spice Bars
Recipe Source: The Sweet {Tooth} Life
Yield: 16-24 bars
2/3 cup oil
1/4 cup honey
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
Whisk oil, honey, and brown sugar together. Add egg and beat well. Stir in salt, cinnamon, soda, and all spice and stir until combined. Finally, add flour and stir until mixture pulls together into a ball. It will be very thick. Press into a greased 9x13 pan and bake for 15 minutes. Let cool before glazing.
Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon water (add more, if needed, to achieve desired consistency)
Whisk all ingredients together. To serve spice bars, pour glaze over bars (we tilt the pan to make sure each edge gets covered) and then cut and serve.
