Pumpkin Bars

Makes 24

Paulette Elwell

ingredients

1 can pumpkin (approx 15-16 oz)
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
3/4 c. Wesson oil (or 1/2 cup oil and 1/4 cup applesauce)
4 eggs (or 2 eggs and 4 whites)
2 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 . plain flour
Icing:
1 8-oz. pkg cream cheese
1 stick margarine – I have used unsalted butter when I didn’t have margarine
1 box powdered sugar (if you buy it in a bag, use about half) – I tend to just add till the consistency seems right
optional - 1/2 to 1 c. chopped pecans -

1
Thoroughly mix together all of the ingredients in a large bowl with the exception of the eggs.
2
Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and add them to the mixture.
3
Pour the mixture into a greased pan and bake on 350 for 35 minutes.
4
While the mixture is baking, prepare icing by mixing ingredients thoroughly.
5
Set aside until the pumpkin mixture has finished baking.
6
Allow the pumpkin mixture to cool before spreading the icing on top. Cut into squares and serve.