OATMEAL-APPLE BARS

2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
3/4 cup canned applesauce
2 cups quick-cooking oats (not instant)
1 cup pitted dates, cut up
powdered sugar (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 15x10x1-inch jelly-roll pan.

Sift flour, salt, baking soda and nutmeg onto wax paper.

Beat butter, sugars and egg in large bowl with electric mixer on high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Stir in flour mixture alternately with applesauce, blending well to make a thick batter; stir in oats and dates. Spread dough in prepared pan.

Bake in moderate oven 350 degrees F for 25 minutes or until top springs back when lightly pressed with fingertip. Cool in pan on wire rack.

Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar, if desired. Cut into bars.

"Oatmeal, dates and applesauce combine to make a nutritious snack cake -- it's
delicious served hot with ice cream for dessert too!"

Makes 3 1/2 dozen
Source: Magazine Clipping