Orange Slice Bars

These bar cookies are wonderful and different. They're a great bake sale and bazaar item. (Orange Slice Candies are sold in a cellophane bag, and shaped like a thick orange slice.)

1 (16 ounce) bag orange slice candy
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
2/3 cup butter or margarine
3 large eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped nuts

Cut up orange slices into tiny bits (if the scissors become too sticky, dip in hot water). Soak candy pieces with 6 tablespoons boiling water and let stand overnight.

The next day cream together the sugars, butter and eggs. Stir in the softened bits of orange candy.

Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Add vanilla extract and nuts. Mix all ingredients together.

Spread in greased 10 x 15-inch jellyroll pan, and bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes.