Fruit-Filled Oatmeal Bars

I tried a new recipe last week from my Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book. They looked easy and pretty low-sugar. The commentary called them "treasured lunch box treats." I am pleased with how they turned out!

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup oats
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup butter
1 recipe filling (I chose the apple-cinnamon filling, see below.)

Directions:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and baking soda. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives (I used my hands), cut in butter till the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture.

2. Press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9x9x2 inch baking pan. Spread with desired filling. Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 to 35 minutes or till the top is golden. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Makes 25 bars.

Apple-Cinnamon Filling: Peel, core, and chop 2 medium apples (about 10 ounces). In a medium saucepan combine apples, 2 Tablespoons water, 1 Tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a dash of ground cloves. Bring apple mixture to a boiling, reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 8 to 10 minutes or till apples are tender. (I then pureed the mixture with my handblender.)

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