Oatmeal Raisin Snack Bars

For several years now, a friend of mine has been dealing with issues in relation to food.  Like, major stuff that would totally bum me out if I was her.  Heck! Lets be honest.  I would cry if I had to give up the things she has had to give up.  Cry a lot.  She on the other hand, has handled it much better than me or anyone I know ever would have.  So now, after a very long wait, she is slowly starting to expand her menus again.  Its a tentative process and still limited, but nevertheless improving.  We converse quite often about food; the science of it (why are my brownies boiling?!), how recipes can be altered and changed to include certain ingredients, what processed foods can be made at home with good results, that kind of thing.  Knowing that I generally like to cook healthfully for my family, I don’t cower in horror when she brings up the price of keifer (she actually makes her own, the superwoman), the availability of spelt flour, or the continuous search for 101 ways to use applesauce in baked goods.  I admire her very much as a person and as a cook, so I decided to create some recipes for her.  This is one of them.
Now, I should make it clear that oatmeal raisin is one of my favorite combinations.  I usually choose it over chocolate chip.  I mean I love oatmeal, but its the wholesome, nutty, chewy goodness that pulls me in.  These hit all those marks without tasting ‘flat’ like healthy snacks sometimes do.  They are very quick to throw together and freeze great.  Pull one out of the freezer for breakfast on the go or a quick snack.  I already know they are going to be a regular part of my daughters lunch box this year!  That is if I don’t eat them all first!

Oatmeal Raisin Snack Bars
Recipe updated 7/2012

In a medium mixing bowl:
1/2 c canola oil
1/2 c applesauce
1 c raw sugar
1/4 c egg substitute or 1 egg
pinch of salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
Mix all ingredients until well blended.  Add:
1 c white whole wheat flour or whole wheat flour
2 c rolled oats (not quick cooking)
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp cinnamon(opt)
1 c raisins

Combine all ingredients well and spread evenly into a sprayed 9X9 glass or metal baking dish.  Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until firm in the middle and lightly brown around the edges.  Cool before cutting and removing from pan.