Pumpkin Pie Bars

Reader’s Recipe: D. Flinner of Canton, OH

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup margarine, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts, divided
• 1 (16 oz.) can pumpkin
• 1 3/4 cup flour
• 1 (14 oz.) can Eagle brand milk
• 1/4 cup light molasses
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• powdered sugar glaze, if desired

Directions:

1. With mixer, beat margarine and sugar until creamy.
2. Stir in flour and walnuts until crumbly.
3. Remove 3/4 cup of crumb mixture, press remaining crumb mixture onto bottom of 15 1/2″x10 1/2″x1″ baking sheet.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, blend pumpkin, milk, molasses, eggs, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla; pour over crust.
6. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.
7. Bake 30-35 minutes more, or until set.
8. Cool in pan on wire rack.
9. Drizzle with powdered sugar glaze, if desired.
10. Cut into 2.5″x1.5″ bars, store covered in refrigerator.