Chewy Fruit and Oatmeal Bars

This recipe was printed on the back of a container of Quaker Oats oatmeal. We made them to take along for energy on a long bike ride. We thought they were quite delicious and others who tried them agreed. You can use any dried fruit, and even chocolate chips and/or nuts (though the latter would add a bit more fat). Either way, they’re a great, nutritious energy snack.

(2 dozen bars)

• 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 8-oz. container vanilla or plain low-fat yogurt
• 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
• 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 2 Tbsp. fat-free milk
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt (optional)
• 3 cups oatmeal (quick or old-fashioned, uncooked)
• 1 cup diced dried mixed fruit, raisins, or dried cranberries

Heat oven to 350F. In large bowl, combine sugars, yogurt, egg whites, oil, milk, and vanilla; mix well.

In medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; mix well. Add to yogurt mixture; mix well. Stir in oats and fruit (and nuts and chips if you choose to use them).

Spread dough onto bottom of ungreased 13×9-inch baking pan.

Bake 28-32 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely on wire rack. Cut into bars. Store tightly covered.