Chewy Apple-Oatmeal Bars

A wonderful chewy treat, great for kid's lunchboxes and they freeze well, these bars can also be baked in a 11x7-inch baking pan.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Yields: 2 dozen bars (approx)

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup flour
• 1  teaspoon baking powder
• 1  teaspoon cinnamon (can use more)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 cup butter, room temperature
• 1⁄4 cup Crisco shortening
• 1 1⁄4 cups light-brown sugar, packed
• 1  egg
• 2  teaspoons  maple extract (can use vanilla or 1 teaspoon each)
• 3⁄4 cup quick-cooking oats
• 3  apples, peeled, cored and chopped
• 1⁄2 cup  shredded sweetened coconut, chopped
•  mini chocolate chips (optional) or   nuts (optional)
•  confectioners' sugar (optional)

Directions

1. Set oven to 350 degrees.
2. Set oven rack to second-lowest position.
3. Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
4. In a bowl combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt.
5. In another bowl, beat the butter, Crisco shortening and brown sugar until smooth and creamy (about 5 minutes).
6. Add in egg and vanilla; beat well until combined.
7. Stir in the flour mixture, oatmeal, chopped apples, coconut, nuts or chocolate chips (if using) mix well to combine.
8. Spread into prepared baking pan.
9. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until bars tests done.
10. Cool and sift the confectioners sugar over top.
11. Cut into squares.