Food Allergy Families

* 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

* 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

* 1/4 tsp baking soda

* 1/8 tsp salt

* 1 cup quick-cooking oats

* 1/2 cup non-dairy butter, softened (I use Earth Balance - regular butter will work too if you can use it)

* 3/4 cup fruit preserves - any flavor

Preheat oven to 350* LIghtly oil 8- or 9- inch square pan. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, and rolled oats. Add the butter and, using your hands, make a crumbly mixture. (Make sure the butter is well - incorporated - no powder). Press two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the pan. Spread preserves to within 1/4 inch of the edge. Sprinkle remaining mixture across the top, and press lightly into the jam. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until lightly browned.

I make two batches of these at once, then cut them into squares, wrap them in plastic wrap, and freeze them in freezer bags 2-4 bars at a time. Then you can throw the bag into the fridge to thaw overnight, or you can pull individual bars to put into lunch boxes and they thaw by lunchtime.

I've tried these with commercial applesauce and they come out fluffier but without a lot of fruity taste. (They probably would have been really good with raisins or dates in them though, and lots of cinnamon). I make home made apple sauce and keep it really chunky - that works great with these bars.

This recipe is from "The Joy of Vegan Baking" by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau