Breakfast, lunch, or dinner cookie bars . . .

Here is a quick recipe that produces some weighty cookie bars that are tasty and satisfying. A good way to grab a fast bite of breakfast on the way out the door or to enjoy with some ice cream after the evening meal. Easy Oatmeal Bars 2/3 cups granulated sugar 1/2 cup applesauce (I like unsweetened but use what you have on hand) 1/3 cup vegetable oil 2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon grated orange zest 2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (Diced, dried apricots are good, too!) Beat the sugar, applesauce, and oil until well blended. Combine all except the fruit and add to the sugar/applesauce mixture and mix well. Stir in your choice of dried fruit. Spread the batter into a greased, oblong baking pan (about 13x9-inch) or two smaller pans. Using vegetable oil spray cuts a few calories. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the edges of the cookie bars start to brown. Cool and cut into bars. For an extra special presentation, glaze with orange or lemon icing after you take it from the oven and cool as directed. Citrus glaze 1 cup powdered sugar Enough fresh or lemon orange juice to make a spreadable paste.