Apple Oatmeal Bars

Apple Filling:

• 2 cups apples, cored, peeled and chopped
• 2 TBS butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 2 TBS flour
• 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 2 TBS water
• 1/4 tsp. salt

Oatmeal Bars:

• 1/2 cup plus 6 tsp. butter, cut into pieces
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 cups oats
• 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

For the apple filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine all apple filling ingredients listed above. Cook until apples are softened and sauce is thick, stirring often. Remove from heat and set aside.

For the oatmeal bars: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Using a fork, add the butter and work until well combined. Evenly press half of the mixture into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Then, spread the apple filling over the oat mixture. Top with the remaining oat mixture. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Cool completely, cut into squares and serve. If you prefer, serve warm with ice cream.