Use up Those Green Tomatoes Bars

• green tomatoes↗4 cups

  finely chopped

• brown sugar↗2 cups

  packed (divided)

• fresh lemon juice↗2 tablespoons
• lemon flavor extract↗1 teaspoon
• unsalted butter↗3⁄4 cup

  at room temperature

• all-purpose flour↗1 1⁄2 cups
• baking soda↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• salt↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• old fashioned oats↗2 cups
• walnuts↗1⁄2 cup

  chopped

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Drain tomatoes on paper towels for 10 minutes.

2. 2

   In a saucepan, add drained tomatoes, 1 cup of the brown sugar, and the fresh lemon juice; simmer,uncovered, for 20-25 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally.

3. 3

   Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon flavor extract and set aside.

4. 4

   In a large bowl, cream the butter and remaining 1 cup brown sugar.

5. 5

   Add flour, baking soda, and salt and mix well.

6. 6

   Stir in the oats and nuts.

7. 7

   Measure out 2 1/2 cups of this dry mixture and press it into the bottom of a greased 9x13" baking pan.

8. 8

   Spread the slighly cooled tomato mixture on top.

9. 9

   Crumble the remaining dry mixture over the top, like a crumb topping.

10. 10

    Bake at 375 F for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.

11. 11

    Let cool completely, then cut into 24 bars to serve.