Recipe: Oatmeal, Raspberry and Peach Snack Bars (using fresh or frozen fruit)

OATMEAL, RASPBERRY AND PEACH SNACK BARS

"The soft, chewy bars are made with plenty of fruit and aren't too sweet, so they even make a great on-the-go breakfast treat."

1/3 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons, plus 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, divided use
1 1/2 cups frozen or fresh raspberries
1 1/2 cups diced frozen or fresh peaches
1 1/2 cups quick rolled oats, uncooked
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 large egg, lightly beaten

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar. Add the raspberries and peaches, then stir over medium-high until the mixture is simmering and thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 7-by-11-inch (or 9-by-9- inch) baking dish with cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar, butter and baking soda. Mix together with a fork until the dough is crumbly but beginning to hold together. Set aside 1 cup of the mixture.

Mix the egg into the dough remaining in the bowl. Transfer the dough with the egg to the prepared baking dish and press it evenly over the bottom. Spread the reserved fruit filling on top, then sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over it.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until lightly browned and bubbling. Transfer the dish to a wire rack to cool completely, about 1 hour. Cut into 16 bars.

Makes 16 servings

Nutrition information per serving (values are rounded to the nearest whole number): 155 calories; 58 calories from fat; 7 grams fat (4 grams saturated; 0 grams trans fats); 26 milli cholesterol; 22 grams carbohydrate; 2 grams protein; 2 grams fiber; 87 milligrams sodium.

Source: Jim Romanoff, The Associated Press, July 29, 2009