FRUITCAKE BAR COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Grease and flour a 13x9x2-inch pan. (Or spray with nonfat cooking spray).
• In a small bowl, blend flour, salt, soda, cinnamon and nutmeg.
• In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, and eggs at medium speed until light and fluffy. Mix in rum or brandy extract.
• Stir in flour, dates, candied fruits, 1/2 cup cherries and nuts. Spread in prepared pan and bake 30 minutes until golden. Cool on wire rack, in pan.
• In the meantime, prepare the frosting by mixing together sugar and milk. Stir until smooth; then cover with a damp cloth until ready to use.
• When cake has cooled, frost, suing a spatula.
• Cut into 2 x 1-inch bars and decorate with red and green candied cherries. Store in a covered container, with pieces of wax paper between layers.