November 7, 2010

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars


My father in law brought us a large sack of apples from a local orchard. I was excited to think of everything I would make with them. The first thing I made was Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars. I found the recipe in my "go to" book: a paperback Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book. I have used this book so many times it has completely split into 3 sections and pages are starting to flutter to the kitchen floor!

I chose this recipe for it's simplicity and I'm glad I did. I loved it, my kids loved it, my hubby loved it and my BFF Becky loved it. I think I ate about half of the pan! If you've got just 2 apples, some old fashioned oats and some basic baking supplies on hand...you'll be all set!

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars

1 C flour
1 C quick cooking rolled oats
2/3 C packed brown sugar
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 C. butter or margarine
2 medium tart cooking apples: peeled, cored and chopped
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
dash ground cloves

Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and baking soda. Using pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in butter or margarine till the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1/2 C. of the crumb mixture. With your fingers, press remaining crumb mixture into bottom of ungreased 8 x 8 or a 9 x 9 square baking pan. In small saucepan, combine apples, 2Tbsp. water, lemon juice, cinnamon and cloves. Bring apple mixture to boiling. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes till apples are tender. Next spread softened apples and pan juices over pressed oat mixture in the baking pan. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Cut into bars. Makes approx. 25 bars.

Enjoy!

7 comments:

  1. Well, eating 1/2 of an 8X8 pan is MUCH better than eating 1/2 of a 9X13 :-) I had one of those paper back BHG books when we got married. It wasn't too many years later that I had to request the big super duty 3 ringed one for Christmas--mine was split apart and worn out too!! You should check that out with Santa. .I know they are available at the north pole!!

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  2. Ok Ok! So I wasn't planning on cooking today but after reading this...Well now I have to. Looks yummy! Thanks for sharing. Ha ha I liked what Melanie said. You should ask Santa.

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  3. Oh wow, they look so good! I am lacking in rolled oats at the moment (realized that as I was about to make oatmeal cookies yesterday) but as soon as I get some I'm making these. They look so easy!

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  4. I would like a piece of your pie, it look very good.

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  5. These look amazing! I am absolutely going to try them before fall is over!

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  6. Can you mail me some of these? I'll send you those cornstalks you requested earlier in exchange. Here's my address: Seriously though, I have to make these now.
    Suzanne

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  7. Oh I am going to try these 2 of my favorites. Thanks for sharing

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