Old Fashioned Spicy Oatmeal Raisin Bars

littleturtle's Note:

Tasty and good for an energy boost. Goes nicely with a glass of milk. These soft, moist bars are a great snack and kids love 'em.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 36

• 1 cup raisins (chopped will make the bars easier to cut) or 1 cup dates , whole or chopped (chopped will make the bars easier to cut)
• ¾ cup water
• 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1 cup flour
• 1⁄3; cup shortening (or unsalted butter, softened)
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda (1/2 tsp at high altitude)
• 1⁄3; teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ cup nuts , chopped
• ½ cup whole wheat flour or ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1⁄8; teaspoon ginger

Directions:

1. Combine raisins with water, and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Add oats and all other remaining ingredients; blend, then beat at medium speed for 1 minute.
3. Spread evenly in greased 13x9" pan, and bake at 350F (375 at high altitude) until top springs back when touched lightly in the center (15-20 minutes).

Reviews

[Chef #805610]

This recipe is not a winner at my house. It was difficult to follow (it lists a cup of flour at the top and then another 1/2 cup at the bottom). The ingredients are listed in an odd manner - make sure and cream the sugar, butter, vanilla, and spices before adding the flour, raisins, and oatmeal or it will be too clumpy to mix. I had to add another egg to make it moist enough to spread into the pan. The bars came out rather dry. I won't make them again.

[justcallmetoni]

I was making these for a staff social and they were enjoyed by the crowd. A little short on raisins I supplemented with an assortment of finely diced dried fruit - peaches, pears and apricots. I loved the subtle spicyness of the dough and thought the amounts of fruits and nuts (in my case pecans) was just right. I would reduce the cooking time in the future as at 20 mintes the cookies were much drier than I would have expected or I think was intended. Thanks.

[Angie P]

I made these bars for a potluck and everyone loved them! Given the past two ratings, I used brown sugar instead of white and added a half teaspoon of cinnamon. Regular rolled oats can be used. I added oats and a small amout of water (just to wet) to the raisins after simmering and let it stand to absorb the water. When the bars were finished cooling, I drizzled a simple icing made with confectioner's sugar, milk and lemon juice on top. Very tasty :)