BACKPACKER BARS

1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups brown sugar, divided use
1 cup quick cooking oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup white flour
1/2 cup wheat germ
4 teaspoons grated orange peel
4 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups whole almonds
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cream butter with 1 cup brown sugar. Stir in oats, wheat flour, white flour, wheat germ, and orange peel. Press mixture into bottom of an ungreased 9x13-inch baking pan.

Combine eggs, almonds, chocolate chips, dates, apricots, coconut and remaining 1/2 cup. brown sugar. Mix gently, but thoroughly. Pour over butter mixture. Spread evenly.

Bake 30-35 minutes and cool before cutting into bars.

Source: The Dessert Show #DS3002