Spice Bars

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 4 ounces (1 stick) butter
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons white crystal sugar

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 325º F and butter and flour a 9-inch square pan. Sift the dry ingredients into a bowl (everything up to the butter). Then use a separate bowl to cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the molasses and vanilla. Make sure it's evenly blended. Finally, stir the flour mixture into the wet mix and combine evenly. Use a spatula to get all the batter into the pan and spread it out so the top is even and flat. Sprinkle with the sugar crystals and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool on a rack. Don't cut into bars until completely cooled.