GRAB BAG

Oatmeal Fruit Bar

1 1/4 cup Whole-wheat flour

3/4 cup uncooked Oats (not instant)

12 packets of Splenda, or to taste (sugar can be used but try to limit sugar in the recipe)

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

1/4 tsp Baking powder

1/8 tsp salt

1/2 cup cold butter (Healthy heart type.  We use an Olive Oil based soft margarine with no trans fats.)

1/4 cup Peanut butter

4 Tbs. Water (more if it is too dry after creaming together ingredients)

1 tsp Vanilla

1/4 cup walnuts

1/4 cup Flax seed ground

1/4 cup sunflower seed

1/4 cup any other seed or nut you like (sliced or chopped almonds, pumpkin seed, millet, etc.)

1/4 cup cran-raisins (or chopped dried apricots, prunes, cherries etc.)

3/4 cp sugar free preserves of your choosing.  (Strawberry, apricot, raspberry, etc.)

Combine all dry ingredients including dried fruit (but not preserves) in a large mixing bowl.  In a separate bowl or food processor combine the butter, peanut butter, vanilla, and water.  Blend all the ingredients together into thick dough.  Ingredients should be very slightly moist but not wet.  Press all except 3/4 cup into an 8x8 pan.  Bake at 375 for 12 to 15 minutes (Should be light brown at edges).  Take out of the oven and spread fruit filling on the top.  Cover with remaining dough mixture and bake another 25 to 30 minutes.  Cool, cut and serve.  Double the ingredients if using a larger pan or for thicker squares. 

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