Chewy Apple-Oatmeal Bars

• flour↗3⁄4 cup
• baking powder↗1 teaspoon
• cinnamon↗1 teaspoon

  can use more

• baking soda↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• salt↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• butter↗1⁄4 cup

  room temperature

• Crisco shortening↗1⁄4 cup
• light-brown sugar↗1 1⁄4 cups

  packed

• egg↗1
• maple extract↗2 teaspoons

  can use vanilla or 1 teaspoon each

• quick-cooking oats↗3⁄4 cup
• apples↗3

  peeled, cored and chopped

• shredded sweetened coconut↗1⁄2 cup

  chopped

• mini chocolate chips or nuts↗

  optional

• confectioners' sugar↗

  optional

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Set oven to 350 degrees.

2. 2

   Set oven rack to second-lowest position.

3. 3

   Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.

4. 4

   In a bowl combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt.

5. 5

   In another bowl, beat the butter, Crisco shortening and brown sugar until smooth and creamy (about 5 minutes).

6. 6

   Add in egg and vanilla; beat well until combined.

7. 7

   Stir in the flour mixture, oatmeal, chopped apples, coconut, nuts or chocolate chips (if using) mix well to combine.

8. 8

   Spread into prepared baking pan.

9. 9

   Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until bars tests done.

10. 10

    Cool and sift the confectioners sugar over top.

11. 11

    Cut into squares.