Harvest fruit bars

Ingredients

• 6 oz diced dried mixed fruit bits
• 1 c chopped banana ( about 2 medium )
• 2/3 c Orange juice
• 1 1/2 tsp apple spice or ground cinnamon, divided
• 1 3/4 c whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 c oats (quick or old-fashioned, uncooked)
• 2 sticks margarine or butter, softened
• 1 c firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 c chopped nuts

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine dried fruit, banana, orange juice and 1 tsp apple pie spice; set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats and remaining 1/2 tsp apple pie spice; mix well.
4. In a large bowl, beat margarine and sugar together with an electric mixer until creamy. Add oat mixture and beat until crumbly.
5. Reserve 3/4 c mixture for topping. Press remaining oat mixture onto bottom of 13x9 baking pan. Bake for 13-15 min, or until golden brown.
6. Spread fruit evenly over crust to within 1/4 inch of edge. Add nuts to reserved oat mixture and mix well. Sprinkle evenly over fruit and pat down lightly.
7. Bake for 16-20 min, or until golden brown. Cool completely; cut into bars. Store loosely covered.