This recipe comes from my nieces and nephews German grandmother Gertrude Zemp, whom we always called Grandma Gertie. She was a wonderful cook and made delightful German pastries including these Lebkuchen Bars, meaning "Lifecakes." This recipe is shared with me by my sister Linda. Grandma Gertie would make these bars at least one month in advance, tightly wrapped in an air-tight container, as they improve with age. The scrumptious honey flavored bars are dense and chewy, filled with almonds, candied fruits, and spices. A simple icing of confectioners’ sugar and milk is spread over the bars when they are hot from the oven, creating a very thin crackly glaze.