Cherry Spice Bars

Makes 2 dozen bars.

1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries
1 (18 1/4-ounce) spice cake mix
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup water
2 eggs

Glaze
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 to 2 teaspoons milk

Drain maraschino cherries; discard juice or save for another use. Cut cherries in half. Combine dry cake mix, melted butter, brown sugar, water and eggs in a large mixing bowl; mix with a spoon or electric mixer until well combined and smooth. Stir in maraschino cherries. Spread batter into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.

Bake in a preheated 375 degree F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until top springs back when lightly touched. Let cool in pan on wire rack.

For the glaze, combine confectioners' sugar and lemon juice; add enough milk to make a thick glaze. Drizzle glaze over cake. Allow glaze to set. Cut into bars.

Store, up to one week, in an airtight container with sheets of wax paper between each layer of bars.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of National Cherry Growers Foundation. Used with permission.