Not Your Mama's Oatmeal Raisin Bars

Raisins and dried cherries soaked in brandy give these oatmeal bars a rich flavor adults will love.

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Ingredients:

• 1 stick plus 2 Tablespoons butter,
• softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 Tablespoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup old fashioned or quick-cooking
• oats
• 1 half cup raisins soaked overnight in
• 1 cup of brandy (drain before using)
• 1 half cup dried cherries snipped and
• soaked overnight in 1 cup of brandy  
• (drain before using)
• 1 half cup chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 half teaspoon baking soda
• 1 fourth teaspoon salt
• Frosting:
• 1 three ounce package cream cheese,
• softened
• 1 cup powdered confectioners' sugar

Method

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and butter a 9 by 13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl using a wooden spoon, cream the 1 stick of butter with the brown sugar, egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. In a medium bowl mix together the flour, oats, raisins, cherries, walnuts, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Stir into butter mixture until combined. Spread dough in prepared pan and press into an even layer with fingers. Bake until firm in the center, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool completely in pan. Blend the cream cheese with the remaining butter, confectioners' sugar and remaining vanilla until smooth. Spread on cooled cake and cut into 24 bars.

Notes: This is a treat to serve to adults on a festive occasion when something sweet, but a bit different is wanted. Prepare yourself for compliments when guests taste them.

Number of servings: 10-12

Submitted By: pnieh
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