Oatmeal Fudge Bars

Perfect for a snack or in a child's lunch box. What am I saying? An adult's lunch box too. And since it has oatmeal you can feel healthy. Hey! I didn't say you were healthy.

Ingredients

Crust:

• 1/2 cup butter, unsalted

• 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

• 1 egg, large

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 cups oatmeal

Fudge Layer:

• 1 cup (6 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1/3 cup cherries, dried, chopped

• 1 tbsp butter, unsalted

• 1/3 cup milk

• pinch of salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup almonds, slivered optional

Instructions

Preheat oven 350F

In a mixing bowl cream butter and brown sugar until light fluffy.  Add egg, vanilla and blend well.

In a small bowl combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Now add to the creamed butter. Stir in oats.

Reserve 1 cup of this mixture. Press remaining mixture into a greased 11X7 pan and set aside.

Melt in a microwave-safe bowl place: chocolate, butter, milk, salt, and vanilla. Add dried cherries and almonds. Then pour over the crust in the pan.  Spread evenly.  Then sprinkle reserve mixture on top.

Bake at 350F for 20-25 mins until baked fully and dry on top. Cut once cooled thoroughly.

Tip: You may omit nuts and cherries if desired.