I haven’t posted any recipes on this site in quite a long time. Those of you who follow my antics know about my obsession with oatmeal cookies. What is an obsession, really, but an attempt to find/create/enjoy a memorable experience? My celebration of the first day of Spring is yet another cookie recipe.

This one has no eggs, no added sugar or salt, and no added fat. The sweetness comes from fresh fruit (apples), cinnamon, and a bit of sugar in the minuscule amount of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Also, there are golden raisins. The fat comes from chopped walnuts, and a bit of vegetable oil added to the glass baking dish. They are chewy and flavorful, not too gooey and not too dry. Here is my recipe:

Joan’s Oatmeal Bars

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Lightly oil  9″ x 13″ glass baking dish.

Mix together 3 large, grated apples with peel (I used Golden Delicious and Fuji, about 2 cups) and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.

Add 1 1/2 cups flour and 1 teaspoon baking soda and blend.

Add 3 cups Quick Oats, 1 cup chopped walnuts, 3/4 cup golden raisins, and 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and mix thoroughly.

Press dough into baking dish using a sheet of waxed paper.

Bake for 25 minutes until golden. Do not over bake.

Cool and cut int 32 bars.

Yum.