Backpacker Bars


Don't be afraid to play around a bit with the ingredients. Don't like almonds? Use peanuts. Not so hot on raisins? Substitute dates or even dried apricots. Ditto butterscotch chips for chocolate. Or any combinations, thereof. You get the picture.

1 C butter
1 1/2 C brown sugar
1 C quick cooking oats
1 C whole wheat flour
1 C all purpose flour
1/2 C wheat germ
[4 tsp. grated orange zest
4 eggs, lightly beaten
2 C sliced almonds
1 C chocolate chips
1 C chopped raisins
1/2 C shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Cream butter with 1 cup brown sugar. Stir in oats, wheat flour, white flour, wheat germ, and orangezest. Press mixture into bottom of an ungreased 9 x13" baking pan.
Combine eggs, almonds, chocolate chips, raisins, coconut (or whatever mixture you decide to use) and remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar. Mix gently, but thoroughly. Pour over butter mixture. Spread evenly. Bake 30-35 minutes and cool before cutting into bars.
Makes 12 Bars

As always, enjoy with veggies and an ice cold beverage (okay, maybe not on the veggies, but I had to add that part to make BigBear happy).