Raspberry Oatmeal Bars

Raspberry Oatmeal Bars

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 12 bars
Serving Size 1 bar

Ingredients

CRUST AND TOPPING
1⁄2 cup flour
1⁄4 cup brown sugar
1 cup quick oats
3 Tablespoons butter or margarine
2 Tablespoons applesauce
1 Tablespoon orange juice

FILLING
1 Tablespoon flour
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1 1⁄2 teaspoons orange juice
2 cups raspberries (fresh or frozen)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray or lightly oil an 8”x 8” baking pan.
2. Crust and topping: Mix flour and sugar in a bowl. Cut butter into mixture until crumbly. Mix in oats. Set half aside for topping.
3. To remaining mixture, stir in applesauce and orange juice. Press in bottom of baking pan.
4. Filling: Combine flour, sugar, juice and raspberries. Mix well.
5. Spread filling on crust. Sprinkle with topping.
6. Bake 40-45 minutes. Cool. Cut into 12 bars.

Low-Fat Pumpkin Bread

Low-Fat Pumpkin Bread

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Makes: 16 1/2-inch slices
Serving Size 1/2 inch slice

Ingredients

non-stick cooking spray or oil
2 2⁄3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon ground cloves
1⁄4 teaspoon ground ginger
1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg
4 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup dried plum puree (see Notes)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg.
3. Add the eggs and pumpkin. Stir until mixed together.
4. In a large bowl, blend the dried plum puree, brown sugar and sugar.
5. Lightly coat a 8 ½ x 4 ½ -inch loaf pan with cooking spray or oil and set aside.
6. Add dry Ingredients to the plum mixture. Stir only until the dry Ingredients become moistened. Be careful not to over mix.
7. Pour batter into loaf pan and spread into the corners.
8. Bake for about 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
9. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes.
10. Remove from pan and let cool completely on a rack. Slice to serve.
11. Wrap in plastic or foil to store for several days or freeze for up to a month.

Notes

• To make the dried plum puree: combine 2/3 cup pitted dried plums (4 ounces) and 3 tablespoons water in a blender. Blend until the plums are finely chopped.
• If you don't have dried plums on hand, try using applesauce or plum baby food

Hearty Chicken and Homemade Noodle Soup

Hearty Chicken and Homemade Noodle Soup

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

NOODLES
1 1⁄4 cups flour
2 eggs
3 Tablespoons water

SOUP
3 cups water
4 1⁄2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (see Notes)
2 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
2 cups mixed vegetables, fresh, canned, or frozen
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. For noodles: Put flour in a medium bowl, make a well in center, and add eggs. Mix well. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough is stiff but easy to roll.
2. Place dough onto a floured surface. Roll dough to ½ inch thickness using a rolling pin or a sturdy, straight sided drinking glass or jar.
3. Cut into 1/4 to 1/2 inch strips, about 3-5 inches long. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
4. For soup: In a large pot, add water and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
5. Add noodles a few at a time to water and chicken broth mixture. Bring the soup back to a boil.
6. Add chicken, vegetables, and pepper. Boil for 12-15 minutes or until noodles are tender. Serve warm.
7. Refrigerate or freeze within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Try whole wheat flour to include whole grains.
• Freeze extra for another meal.

Healthy Carrot Cake Cookies

Healthy Carrot Cake Cookies

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 48 cookies
Serving Size 2 cookies

Ingredients

1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar
1⁄2 cup sugar
1⁄2 cup oil
1⁄2 cup applesauce or fruit puree
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 cups old fashioned rolled oats (raw)
1 1⁄2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 large carrots)
1 cup raisins or golden raisins

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, mix sugars, oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla thoroughly.
3. In a separate bowl, stir dry Ingredients together.
4. Blend dry Ingredients into wet mixture. Stir in raisins and carrots.
5. Drop by teaspoonfuls on greased baking sheet.
6. Bake 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
7. Store in airtight container.

Curried Pumpkin Soup

Curried Pumpkin Soup

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 3/4 cup

Ingredients

1⁄2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
1⁄2 cup chopped onion
2 Tablespoons margarine
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon curry powder
3 cups vegetable broth (see Notes)
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
1 Tablespoon honey
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
fresh or frozen chives (optional)

Directions

1. In 4 quart (or larger) saucepan, sauté the mushrooms and onion in margarine until tender. Stir in the flour and curry powder until blended. Gradually add the broth.
2. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
3. Add the pumpkin, milk, honey, salt, pepper, and nutmeg; heat through.
4. Garnish with chives if desired.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
• Try substituting cooked winter squash or cooked pumpkin for canned pumpkin. Mash and measure out 2 cups for soup.
• Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old.

Chinese Turnip Pancakes

Chinese Turnip Pancakes

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 12 pancakes
Serving Size 2 pancakes

Ingredients

Pancakes
1 cup flour
1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
3⁄4 cup water
2 cups turnip, grated
1 cup carrot, grated
1⁄2 cup green onion, thinly sliced
2 Tablespoons oil (for cooking)

Sauce
2 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons brown sugar
2 Tablespoons green onion, thinly sliced

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, pepper, egg, garlic, soy sauce, and water in a bowl until smooth.
2. Stir in the grated turnip, carrot and green onion.
3. Heat half of oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350 degrees F in an electric skillet). Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake into skillet. Flatten with a fork into a 3-inch circle.
4. Cook until edges look dry and bottom is golden, about 3-4 minutes. Turn once. Cook until bottom is golden and crispy. Repeat with the remaining batter adding remaining oil as needed. Pancakes will be moist in the center.
5. Combine dipping sauce Ingredients in a small bowl. Serve with warm pancakes.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Banana Pancakes

Banana Pancakes

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 18 pancakes
Serving Size 2 pancakes

Ingredients

2 eggs
1 1⁄2 cups non-fat or 1% milk
1 Tablespoon sugar
3 Tablespoons oil
2 bananas, mashed
3⁄4 cup whole wheat flour
3⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder

Directions

1. Beat eggs in medium bowl. Add milk, sugar, oil and bananas and mix well. Add flours and baking powder. Mix gently.
2. Lightly spray a large skillet or griddle with non-stick cooking spray or lightly wipe with oil. Heat skillet or griddle over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet).
3. Spoon 1/4 cup batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until tops are bubbly and pancakes are dry around the edges. Flip and cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• To see if skillet is hot enough, sprinkle with a few drops of water. If drops skitter around, heat is just right.
• Top with applesauce, fresh fruit or yogurt.

Favorite Pancakes (without eggs)

Favorite Pancakes (without eggs)

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Makes: 8 pancakes
Serving Size 2 pancakes

Ingredients

1 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 Tablespoon sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 cup non-fat or 1% milk
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons water

Directions

1. Mix together flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in medium bowl.
2. Combine milk, oil and water. Add to dry Ingredients.
3. Stir just until moistened.
4. Lightly spray a large skillet or griddle with non-stick cooking spray or lightly wipe with oil. Heat skillet or griddle over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet). For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle.
5. Pancakes are ready to turn when tops are bubbly all over, a few bubbles have burst, and the edges begin to appear dry. Use a quick flip with a broad spatula to turn pancakes. Turn only once. Bake until bottoms are brown and dry.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try adding fresh bananas or blueberries to the batter before cooking.
• Try using ¾ cup whole wheat flour and ½ cup all-purpose flour for more whole grains! Add 1-2 TB of water if batter is too thick. 
• To see if skillet is hot enough, sprinkle with a few drops of water. If drops skitter around, heat is just right.
• Top with applesauce, fresh fruit or yogurt

Garden Vegetable Cakes

Garden Vegetable Cakes

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Makes: 8 cakes
Serving Size 2 cakes

Ingredients

1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1⁄3 cup all purpose flour
1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄4 teaspoon dill weed
1⁄4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
4 eggs (or 1 cup egg substitute)
2 Tablespoons minced green onion with tops
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1⁄2 cups shredded vegetables (unpeeled zucchini (drained and pressed), potato, carrots, bell pepper, celery, sweet potato or yam)

Directions

1. In medium bowl, stir together cheese, flour, baking powder, dill weed, salt and pepper.
2. Beat in eggs, green onions, lemon juice and garlic until well blended. Stir all shredded vegetables into the batter.
3. Heat skillet or griddle over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet). Lightly spray or oil with cooking spray. For each vegetable cake, pour 1/3 cup batter onto hot skillet or griddle. Cook on both sides until golden brown. Serve warm.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Top with low-fat sour cream and tomato slices.
• Precook “harder” vegetables like carrots and potatoes, if desired.

One-Pan Chicken Alfredo

One-Pan Chicken Alfredo

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 7 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

1 large chicken breast, cubed (about one cup)
2 Tablespoons oil
2 Tablespoons flour
1 3⁄4 cups chicken broth
1 3⁄4 cups nonfat or 1% milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
1⁄2 teaspoon dried basil
3 cups dry penne pasta
2 cups broccoli, chopped (fresh or frozen)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown chicken in oil.
2. Add flour, broth, milk, spices and pasta to skillet and stir well.
3. Bring to a boil; cover; reduce heat; simmer until pasta is almost tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Add broccoli, cover, and cook until broccoli is tender.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheese.
6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Winter Fruit Crisp

Winter Fruit Crisp

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 squares (4 inches x 2 inches)
Serving Size 4 x 2 inch square

Ingredients

4 cups diced apples or pears
2⁄3 cup packed brown sugar
1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
1⁄2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1⁄3 cup margarine or butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly spray or oil a square pan (8 x 8 x 2 inches).
2. Arrange fruit in pan. Mix remaining Ingredients and sprinkle over fruit.
3. Bake until topping is golden brown and fruit is tender, about 30 minutes.
4. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Use any fresh, frozen or drained canned fruit that you have on hand.
• Add 1/2 cup of dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, cut apricots).
• Try vanilla yogurt as a topping and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Whole Wheat Quick Bread

Whole Wheat Quick Bread

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 16 squares (2 inches x 2 inches)
Serving Size 2 x 2 inch square

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1⁄2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3⁄4 teaspoon salt
2 cups buttermilk
2 Tablespoons oil
3 Tablespoons brown sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil or spray the bottom of an 8" x 8" baking pan.
2. In a large bowl combine both flours, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
3. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, oil and brown sugar. Be sure sugar has no lumps.
4. Add liquids to flour mixture. Stir together until dry Ingredients are just moistened.
5. Pour into prepared baking pan and smooth into corners.
6. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Top should look golden brown.
7. Cool slightly and remove from pan. Slice with a serrated knife.
8. Wrap leftovers in plastic wrap and store at room temperature.

Notes

• No buttermilk? Add enough milk to 2 Tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar to make 2 cups. Stir well and let stand 5 minutes.
• Add 1/2 cup raisins and 1 Tablespoon cinnamon for a tasty breakfast bread

Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins

Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 12 muffins
Serving Size 1 muffin

Ingredients

1 1⁄2 cups whole wheat flour
3⁄4 cup sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg, slightly beaten
1⁄3 cup nonfat or 1% milk
1⁄2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly coat the bottom of 12 muffin cups with oil or baking spray.
2. Mix the flour, sugar, salt and baking powder in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, blend vegetable oil, egg, milk and applesauce until smooth. Stir the liquid Ingredients into the flour mixture until just moistened. Lightly stir in the blueberries.
4. Fill each muffin cup about 3/4 full.
5. Bake about 20 minutes, or until the muffin tops are golden brown.  A toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin should come out moist but without batter.

Notes

• To avoid rancid whole wheat flour, store it in a container or bag that keeps the air sealed out. Keep in a cool dark area for up to 3 months or in the freezer for up to 6 months.  Buy amounts that you can use within those lengths of time.
• To use sweetened applesauce, remove about 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar from the measured amount

Veggie Quiche Muffins

Veggie Quiche Muffins

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 12 muffins
Serving Size 1 muffin

Ingredients

3⁄4 cup low fat cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup green onion or onion, chopped (1 medium onion)
1 cup broccoli, chopped
1 cup tomatoes, diced
2 cups nonfat or 1% milk
4 eggs
1 cup baking mix (for biscuits or pancakes)
1 teaspoon italian seasoning (or dried leaf basil and oregano)
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon pepper

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly spray or oil 12 muffin cups.
2. Sprinkle cheese, onions, broccoli and tomatoes in muffin cups.
3. Place remaining Ingredients in a bowl and beat until smooth. Pour egg mixture over other Ingredients in muffin cups.
4. Bake until golden brown or until knife inserted in center comes out clean, 35-40 minutes. Cool 5 minutes.
5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try chopped zucchini or mushrooms as part of the vegetables
• Use any variety of cheese your family enjoys
• Bake in a pie pan instead of muffin cups (baking time will be longer)

Sweet Carrot Bread or Muffins

Sweet Carrot Bread or Muffins

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Makes: 12 slices or muffins
Serving Size 1 slice or 1 muffin

Ingredients

1 cup sliced carrots (about 1 can (14.5 ounces) or 2 to 3 fresh carrots)
2⁄3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup nonfat or 1% milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups baking mix (biscuit or pancake mix)
3⁄4 cup raisins or other dried fruit (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare baking pans. If making a loaf, lightly spray or oil and flour a 9x5 bread pan. If making muffins, lightly oil or spray a muffin tin.
2. Cook carrots until they are very soft.
3. Fresh - Steam or boil.
4. Frozen - Follow package Directions or microwave, steam or boil.
5. Canned - Rinse and drain.
6. Mash carrots well with a fork or potato masher, or use a blender or food processer to puree until smooth.
7. In large bowl, mix carrots with brown sugar, egg, and milk until well blended. Add remaining Ingredients and mix well.
8. Pour batter into prepared bread pans or fill 12 muffin cups about 2/3 full.
9. Bake bread for 50 minutes or muffins for 18 to 20 minutes, until a fork or knife inserted in center comes out clean.
10. Let cool slightly then remove from pans. Cool completely then store in an air-tight container at room temperature.

Rhubarb Blueberry Crisp

Rhubarb Blueberry Crisp

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 5 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

TOPPING
1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar
1⁄2 cup flour
1⁄2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1⁄4 cup melted margarine or butter

FRUIT FILLING
3 cups chopped rhubarb
3 cups blueberries
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
1⁄2 cup sugar
1 cup cranberry juice
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. Mix the brown sugar, flour and oats in a bowl. Stir in the margarine. Set aside.
2. Spread the rhubarb and blueberries in an 8-inch baking dish.
3. In a 2-3 quart saucepan, mix cornstarch and sugar and stir in the juice. Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
4. Add the vanilla and pour mixture over the rhubarb and blueberries.
5. Crumble the oat mixture on top of the fruit.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
7. Serve warm or cold. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Try strawberries instead of blueberries.
• Use apple or grape juice instead of cranberry juice

Fabulous Fig Bars

Fabulous Fig Bars

Prep time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 24 bars (about 2.5 x 2 inches)
Serving Size 1 bar (about 2.5 x 2 inches)

Ingredients

16 ounces stemmed, chopped dried figs
1⁄2 cup chopped walnuts
1⁄3 cup sugar
1⁄4 cup orange juice (juice from 1/2 orange)
2 Tablespoons hot water
1⁄2 cup margarine or butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1⁄4 cups old fashioned rolled oats

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray or oil a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. Combine figs, walnuts, sugar, orange juice and hot water in a mixing bowl and set aside.
3. Mix together margarine and brown sugar until creamy. Add egg and mix until smooth.
4. Mix flour and baking soda. Stir into egg mixture. Blend in oats to make soft dough.
5. Reserve 1 cup of dough for topping. With floured fingertips, press the remaining dough into a thin layer on the bottom of baking pan.
6. Spread fig mixture evenly over the dough. Crumble reserved dough over top, allowing fig mixture to show.
7. Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely in baking pan. Cut into 24 bars (about 2.5 x 2 inches)

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Makes: 8 cups
Serving Size 1 cup

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons oil
1 cup chopped onion (about 1 medium)
1 cup chopped carrots (about 2 small)
1 cup chopped celery (about 2 stalks)
3 cups low sodium chicken broth (see Notes)
3 Tablespoons flour
2 cups cooked chicken, bite sized
1 cup frozen peas
salt and pepper (try 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon)

DUMPLINGS
1 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1⁄3 cup non-fat or 1% milk

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350 degrees in an electric skillet) and saute onions, carrots and celery until soft.
2. Add a small amount of unheated broth to the flour and stir until smooth. Slowly mix in remaining broth and add to skillet. Stir over medium heat as the mixture thickens.
3. Add the chicken, peas, salt and pepper. Heat on low while making dumplings.
4. Dumplings: sift the flour, baking powder and salt together into a mixing bowl.
5. Add the egg to the milk and beat until well blended. Stir into the flour until well combined.
6. Pour the chicken mixture into a lightly oiled or sprayed casserole dish. Drop dumpling dough by spoonfuls onto chicken mixture. (makes about 8 dumplings)
7. Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until the dumplings are golden brown.
8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

• Broth can be canned or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon

Cherry Oat Crumble

Cherry Oat Crumble

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 6 cups
Serving Size 1/2 cup

Ingredients

6 Tablespoons sugar
1 1⁄2 Tablespoons cornstarch
4 cups tart cherries, pitted, fresh or frozen
3⁄4 teaspoon vanilla
6 Tablespoons whole wheat flour
6 Tablespoons old fashioned rolled oats
3 Tablespoons brown sugar
1⁄8 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
2. Mix the sugar and cornstarch together in a large bowl. 
3. Add the cherries and stir to mix.  Add the vanilla and mix again. 
4. Pour the fruit into an 8 x 8 baking pan or 2 quart casserole.
5. In a separate bowl mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and mix together until the texture is coarse with some clumps.  Distribute the oat topping over the fruit.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-45 minutes, or until the juices are bubbling and the oat toping is golden brown.
7. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hour

Apple Bars

Apple Bars

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Makes: 12 bars
Serving Size 1 bar

Ingredients

1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
1⁄2 cup whole wheat flour
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄2 cup brown sugar
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 pinch ground cloves (optional)
1⁄2 cup butter or margarine
3 cups apples, peeled, cored and sliced (about 2 medium apples [3” diameter])
2⁄3 cup raisins
1⁄4 cup sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9"x13" baking pan.
2. Mix flour, salt and baking soda together in a large bowl. Add brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg and ground cloves.
3. Cut in butter or margarine with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture is crumbly.
4. Spread half of the crumb mixture in the baking pan. Top with apple slices and raisins and sprinkle with sugar. Spread remaining crumb mixture evenly over apples.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes. Cool and cut into 12 bars.

Notes

• Substitute ripe pears for apples
• Serve warm topped with vanilla yogur