Oatmeal Fruit Bars

These prune-laden oatmeal bars make excellent breakfast bars, as well as a great snack bar any time of the day.

Recipe Ingredients:

3 cups pitted prunes - divided use
3 tablespoons water
3/4 cup orange juice
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup powdered milk
1 cup quick-cooking oats
2 large eggs

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a food processor, combine 1 cup pitted prunes, water, and orange juice; process until smooth. Combine 1/4 cup of the purée in a saucepan with 2 cups chopped pitted prunes. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until thick.
3. Meanwhile, combine flour, sugar, powdered milk, oats in a large mixer bowl. Add the reserved prune purée and eggs. Mix on low speed with an electric mixer until blended.
4. Press half into a greased 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Spread the cooked filling on top and top with the remaining flour mixture.
5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting.

Makes 24 bars.