Chocolate Frosted Fruit Bars

Chocolate Frosted Fruit Bars

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup red candied cherries, cut in half
• 1 cup sliced pitted dates
• 1/2 cup sliced soft dried apricots
• 1/2 cup sliced soft dried figs

Chocolate Frosting
Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 3 tablespoons marshmallow creme
• 1 to 2 tablespoons hot water

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and 1 cup sugar until smooth.

Add eggs, 1 at a time, and beat well after each addition. Blend in vanilla.

Gradually add flour, baking powder and salt and blend well.

Stir in nuts and fruit until distributed throughout.

Spread batter in prepared pan and bake for 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Meanwhile, prepare the chocolate glaze:
Combine 1/3 cup sugar and 3 tablespoons water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, then remove from heat.

Stir in chocolate chips until melted. Stir in marshmallow creme.

Add hot water, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring constantly until desired consistency is reached.

Spread chocolate glaze over cooled bars. Cut into desired size and shape.

This recipe makes about 24 Chocolate Frosted Fruit Bars.