Oatmeal Applesauce Bars

4 cups California raisins
3 cups unsweetened applesauce
1 cup liquid eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup oil
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon vanilla
5 cups quick oats
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
powdered sugar icing or powdered sugar (optional)

Process raisins with 1/4 cup applesauce until raisins are thoroughly chopped but not pureed.

In mixing bowl, combine raisin mixture, remaining applesauce, eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla; mix well.

Add remaining ingredients; mix well but do not overmix. Spread evenly in greased pan.

Bake in a conventional oven at 350 F for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Cool completely.

Drizzle with a powdered sugar icing or sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving.

Cut into 10 rows along the long side of the pan and 8 rows along the short side.

Tips: Additional whole raisins may be added to the batter at the second mixing stage, if desired. Or, if expanding this recipe to fill several pans and using a vertical cutter mixer (VCM), raisins can be added whole in the first mixing stage.

Source: California Raisin Marketing Board