German Lebkuchen - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 eggs
1 lb. brown sugar
1 c. nutmeats
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 lb. dates
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 large orange
1 lemon
1 tsp. or more coffee, ground to a powder or instant coffee may be used
nuts

Preparation

The day before baking, cut up dates and cover with juice and rinds of orange and lemon.
Mix well and let stand overnight (covered and in refrigerator).
Beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
Sift flour with cinnamon, baking powder and coffee. Add alternately with date mixture and nuts.
Spread thin in long pans (16 x 10-inch).
Takes all batter.
Bake about 30 minutes at 375\u00b0.
When cool, cut in thin strips.
Ice, if desired.
Use confectioners sugar icing made with melted butter (margarine) and orange juice.
Makes 4 dozen pieces.