Carrot bars are moist, sweet, spicy

Carrot cake has become a favorite dessert during the last ten years. Some people like it because of its moist texture, others like the sweetness of the spices and the crunchy carrots and nuts. And everyone enjoys the cream cheese icing.

This recipe is for carrot bars that are very similar to a carrot cake. Wheat germ is added for nuttiness and the flours used are a mixture of white and whole wheat. It is sweetened with both brown sugar and honey, and spiced with cinnamon.

An icing of cream cheese and walnuts is spread over the bars after they have cooled. Perfect for an after-dinner sweet, or to pack for lunch at the office, or for the children to take to school. Carrot Bars 1/2 cup wheat germ 1 cup flour 3/4 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 1/4 cup honey 3 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups carrots, finely grated 1/2 cup margarine, melted 1/2 cup milk 3 eggs, beaten

Combine wheat germ, flours, brown sugar, honey, walnuts, carrots, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Stir to mix well. Add remaining ingredients. Stir until evenly mixed. Turn into a 9 by 13-inch greased pan. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 20 to 30 minutes. Cool.

Combine 3 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts and spread over top. Cut into bars.