Oatmeal Cranberry Bars

These (somewhat) healthy bars have been a staple in our house for a number of years.  I've made them for friends who ask me for more, and my dearest husband loves to take them for work and on the road.  They are slightly sweet, and can be cut and wrapped for snack time at work or for a school lunch.

And, they are super easy to make...you don't even have to break out the hand mixer.  If you aren't sold on the cranberry part, don't worry, it is easy enough to substitute chopped dried apricot, dried fig, dried cherries or different colors of raisins--they are all good and there are many possibilities with this recipe.

Oatmeal Cranberry Bars

3/4 C melted margarine (can use up to 1/4 C Lite)

3/4 C packed brown sugar

1/4 C sugar

1 large egg

1/2 t. salt

1 t. cinnamon

1/4 t. nutmeg

1/8 t. ground cloves (optional)

1 C flour

2 C oats (not instant)

1 C dried cranberries

Batter pic

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Line an 8” square pan with parchment paper or non-slip mat

In a large bowl, whisk together margarine, sugars, egg, salt and spices

Mix in flour

Add one cup oatmeal

Add other cup oatmeal and cranberries

Mix until well combined

Spread into pan

Place on middle oven rack, and bake for 25-30 minutes

Cool completely before removing from pan