Harvest Fruit Bars

== Description ==
For that harvest / Autumn flavor.
* Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
* Makes 32 bars.
== Ingredients ==
* 1 (6-ounce) package diced dried mixed fruit bits
* 1 cup chopped banana (about 2 medium)
* ⅔ cup orange juice If using old fashioned oats, decrease orange juice to ½ cup.
* 1½ teaspoons apple pie spice or ground cinnamon, divided use
* 1¾ cups whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
* 1½ cups oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
* ½ pound (2 sticks) margarine or butter, softened
* 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
* ½ cup chopped nuts
== Directions ==
# Heat oven to 375°F.
# In medium bowl, combine dried fruit, banana, orange juice and 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice; set aside.
# In medium bowl, combine flour, oats and remaining ½ teaspoon apple pie spice; mix well.
# In large bowl, beat margarine and sugar together with electric mixer until creamy.
# Add oat mixture; beat until crumbly.
# Reserve ¾ cup mixture for topping.
# Press remaining oat mixture onto bottom of 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
# Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown.
# Spread fruit evenly over crust to within ¼-inch of edge.
# Add nuts to reserved oat mixture; mix well.
# Sprinkle evenly over fruit; pat down lightly.
## Bake 16 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
# Cool completely; cut into bars.
# Store loosely covered. 
== Notes == 
__NOTOC__
Category:Banana Recipes
Category:Bar cookie Recipes
Category:Cathy's Recipes
Category:Dried fruit Recipes
Category:Halloween Recipes
Category:Nut Recipes
Category:Orange juice Recipes
Category:Quick oats Recipes
Category:Rolled oats Recipes