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!