Raisin Crumb Bars

This healthy snack recipe, filled with raisins and applesauce, is a great natural energy source for all of your outdoor pursuits.

Filling:

2 1/2 cups raisins
1 cup water
1 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Topping and Base:

2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup coconut (optional)
3/4 cup butter or margarine

In a medium-sized saucepan, bring water and raisins to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Drain. Stir in the applesauce, lemon juice and cinnamon. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together the oats, flours, sugar and coconut. Cut in the butter (using a pastry blender) until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Reserving about 2 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture, press firmly the remaining crumbs into a 9 x 13 inch pan. Spread the raisin filling over the base. Sprinkle with the remaining crumbs, pressing lightly.

Bake at 350°F (180°F) for 30-40 minutes (until lightly golden). Cool completely and cut into bars.

You may make these a day or two ahead of your picnic, storing them in a container with a fitted lid.

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