Chewy Oatmeal Spice Bars

Chewy, cinnamon-spiced oat cookie bars laced with raisins or other dried fruits.

Recipe Ingredients:

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup butter
3/4 cup apple butter or apple sauce
1 large egg
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
3 cups quick or old fashioned oats
1 cup raisins or diced dried mixed fruit

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
2. Beat together sugars and butter until well blended. Add apple butter, egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg; mix well. Stir in oats and raisins; mix well. (Dough will be moist.)
3. Press dough onto bottom of baking pan.
4. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely in pan. Store in tightly covered container.

Makes 32 bars.