Cranberry Date Breakfast Bars

Servings: Provides 3 dozen bars

6 ounces dried cranberries
8 ounces chopped dates
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup all purpose flour
2 cups oats old fashioned
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup margarine
1 cup powdered sugar optional
1 -2 tablespoons orange juice optional
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract


Preparation:
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
In a saucepan over low heat, simmer cranberries, dates and water, stirring constantly. Simmer until all water is absorbed; remove from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla; set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Stir in butter or margarine until well blended.

Spread half of the flour mixture into ungreased 9 x 13-inch pan; bake in oven for 8 minutes.

Remove from oven and spoon cranberry/date mixture over crust; sprinkle with remaining flour mixture, pat gently.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned; cool.

Optional: Combine powdered sugar, vanilla and orange juice to make a frosting. Drizzle over cereal bars.

Servings: Provides 3 dozen bars

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10 Steps in choosing the Kitchen items and cooking needs that are right for you:

Kitchen Items and small appliances are personal choice:


1. Convenience:
What is most convenient for your life style

2. Simpler the better:
Items that take the least amount of effort to use:

3. Clean Up:
Items that are the easiest to clean up:

4. Clutter or the lack of Clutter:
Space available for you to use in your kitchen.

5. Your type of cooking:
Baking, Grilling, Micro Waving, Crock Pot.

6. Watch out for the newest fad.
The newest gadget may look great but will it really be functional in your kitchen.

7. Is it really a need or just want.
It may be pretty, but think do I really need it. You will save money and clutter.

8. Do you freeze or save left overs.
There are items specifically for freezing and storing cooked foods.

9. Small children in the kitchen:
Safe items for small children that want to help. Cooking is a great way to teach, and build self confidence in small children.

10. Herbs and Spice Gardening:
Do you grow your own. It will determine what kind of spice racks and spices you may need.

Peanut Butter Granola Bar Recipe

Peanut Butter Granola Bars. This recipe is fun and easy to make. Let your kids have fun making them with you.

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 ½ cups rolled oats, quick cooking
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup milk chocolate chips (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Beat together peanut butter, honey, egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla blend well.
3. Mix oats, sugar and salt together and mix well.
4. Add oat mixture to peanut butter mixture mix until batter becomes sticky.
5. Stir in chocolate chips (optional)
6. Press into a 13” x 9” pan coated with cooking spray. Use a piece of wax paper to press mixture into an even layer in the pan
7. Bake 12-15 minutes. Cool completely and slice into bars. Makes 18.