New England Hermit Bars

- PREHEAT OVEN TO 375° -Soak the 1 cup of raisins in boiling water. -Cream 1 stick softened butter, 1¼ cups sugar, and ¼ cup molasses together in a mixer. Add the 2 eggs. Blend until combined. -In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. -Slowly add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture at a low speed. -Drain the raisins. Pat dry. -Add the chopped walnuts (if using) and the raisins to the hermit batter. Stir to combine. -On a floured towel, cut the batter into 4 sections. -Roll 1 section at a time like a sausage on the towel. -Place the hermit bar logs onto a greased cookie sheet or jelly roll pan. I use silicone baking mats -Flatten the logs slightly with your hand. -Brush tops with a beaten egg. BAKE AT 375° FOR 15 MINUTES Let bars cool before cutting them diagonally into bars. I find that using a dough scraper works great to cut the bars! Store the New England hermit bars in an airtight container. They do stay fresh for a long time!!.