Raisin Bars

The other day, I found of can of raisins that had been lurking in the back of the pantry until it was mighty near its expiration date. I knew I had made raisin bars one time that were a hit with the kids, but as much as I racked my brain, I could not think where I had found that recipe. Now, a week after making a ginormous batch of oatmeal raisin cookies, I found the recipe-- actually typed into my computer and ready to print. This only stiffened my resolve to try to actually get more recipes typed up and PRINTED OUT! And, hopefully, some up on here.

Raisin Bars

Filling:

• 2 1/2 cups raisins
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Bar:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup coconut
• 3/4 cup butter

Preheat oven to 350°. In a medium saucepan, heat raisins and water to boiling; simmer 15 minutes, then drain. Stir in applesauce, lemon juice and cinnamon. In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, sugar and coconut. Cut in butter until crumbly. Press 2 ½ cups of the crumbs into a 13x9 ungreased pan. Spread raisin mixture over the crumbs. Sprinkle on remaining crumbs and press in lightly. Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until light brown. Cool completely and cut into bars.

And, the oatmeal raisins cookies weren't a bad way to use raisins, either. And it's hard to improve upon the taste of this cookie dough. This is the recipe that is printed under the lid of the Quaker Oats cylinder.

Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3 cups oatmeal
• 1 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 350°. Beat together butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Stir in oats and raisins. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on sheet 1 minute; transfer to rack.