Oatmeal Fruit Bars Source: The American Institute for Cancer Research
Filling: 1 1/2 cup golden raisins 1 1/2 cup chopped, pitted dates 3/4 cup orange juice 3/4 cup water 1 Tbsp. grated orange zest
Crust: 1/2 cup soft margarine, chilled 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
Prepare filling by combining raisins, dates, juice and water in a medium-size saucepan. Bring mixture to boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Continue to boil, stirring, for 10 minutes, until mixture thickens and becomes like a paste. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in orange zest. Let cool completely.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a nonstick 9x13 inch baking pan with foil and spray foil with nonstick cooking spray.
Prepare crust by mixing margarine with sugar in bowl until well blended. Beat in flour, baking soda and oats until mixture is crumbly. Press half of oat mixture into prepared pan. Spread filling in an even layer over oats. Sprinkle remaining oat mixture over filling and press down lightly.
Bake bars for 25 minutes or until top is golden. Cut into 40 bars while still warm. Cool bars completely and store them in an airtight container.
Each bar contains 95 calories and 2 grams of fat. |