1, 6 ounce package sweetened dried cranberries
1, 8 ounce package chopped dates
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup margarine
FROSTING - OPTIONAL
1 cup powdered sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons orange juice
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a saucepan over low heat, simmer cranberries, dates and water, stirring constantly. Simmer until all water is absorbed; remove from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla; set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Stir in butter or margarine until well blended.
Put half of the flour mixture into ungreased 9 x 13-inch pan; bake in oven for 8 minutes. Spoon cranberry/date mixture over crust; sprinkle with remaining flour mixture, pat gently.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned; cool. If desired, drizzle with frosting.
** Fruit Variations: Dried, chopped apricots, cherries or apples can be substituted for the dried cranberries and dates. 1, 12 ounce package of fresh cranberries can be substituted for the dried cranberries and dates. Simmer cranberries and 2 tablespoons water in saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until cranberries have popped.
Calories/Serving: 155 calories/bar
Servings: Provides 3 dozen bars
Nutrition: Nutrition analysis: One bar provides approximately: 155 calories, 2 g protein, 26 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 6 g fat (2 g saturated), 7 mg cholesterol, 10 mcg folate, 1 mg iron and 108 mg sodium.
