by Catie Martin

Created on: May 09, 2009

These cookies are great to eat for a quick desert or snack because they are so good for everyone who is trying not to eat sugary treats.. They are made without any type of refined sugar and have a natural sweetness that comes from the fruit filling. The fructose in these bar cookies is a healthy alternative to the sucrose in white or brown sugar cookies. Quick or regular oatmeal may be used which is good news for anyone who is trying to stay on a low cholesterol diet. The recipe is s composite of very nutritional ingredients. There are 3 layers ending with the base. Bake at 325 degrees for 20-30 minutes

Fruity Filled Oat Bars

Date Filling - 1 lb. of pitted dates

one half of a cup of water

Base - 2 cups of oats

2 cups of white flour

1 cup of butter

3 Tablespoons of hot water

1 teaspoon of baking powder

For the fililng:

Combine the dates and water in a saucepan. Heat and let it set until the mixture thickens to a spreadable paste. Add more water if needed.

For the base ( bottom layer and top layer) : Mix oats, flour and butter.

Combine water, vanilla and baking power then add that to the flour mixture . After that is done layer half of the flour mixture in the bottom of two 8" pans or one 9" by 12' pan that have been greased. Over that spread the date filling. Top this with the flour mixture . This will not completely cover the top so just add as desired. Cool and cut.

The recipe can be adjusted by using raisins for part of the filing. Hot apple juice can also be used to add sweetness instead of just water. Whole wheat or white flour can be used. Margarine could be substituted for the butter. The recipe can be used by cooks who enjoy the results of experimentating with different dried fruits for the filling and various flours for the base.

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