Fruit & Oat Bars

FRUIT & OAT BARS
 a la Marilyn

6 large apples
3 cups oatmeal
2 cups chopped dried fruit (I use 1 cup dried apricots, 1 cup dates)
1 cup nuts (I use 1/2 cup walnuts, 1/2 cup slivered almonds)
1/2 cup seeds (I use 1/4 cup pumpkin, 1/4 cup sunflower)
spices (I use 1tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp cloves. You could easily make them a little spicier though.)

Peel, chop, and cook the apples with a little water on medium until they are apple sauce (nearly smooth. You should be able to mash them with a fork or spoon).

Mix oatmeal, dried fruit, nuts, seeds and spices. Add the apple sauce. Mix thoroughly (you may need to use your hands)

Press into a 9" by 13" nonstick pan. Make sure it is very compact.
Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until the top starts turning a little golden. Do not overbake.

Cut into squares while hot but leave them in the pan. Once they cool retrace the cuts, then you can move them and they won't crumble.

Refrigerate.