Oatmeal Apple Bars

This was another bar cookie I recently tried. It didn't last any time at all. Everyone who tried it loved it.

OATMEAL APPLE BARS

Crust/Topping:

1 cup flour
1 cup quick oats
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup (1 stick) margarine (or butter)

Filling:

2 to 3 apples, shredded (2 cups shredded; they needn't be peeled)
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cloves
1 tbsp water

In a large glass measuring cup or mixing bowl, combine all of the filling ingredients. Microwave for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring every minute, until bubbly. Meanwhile, at low speed, beat together the margarine and all of the dry ingredients for the crust, until the mixture is crumbly. Press all but about 1 cup of this mixture firmly into a greased 9" square or 7"x11" baking pan. Spread the filling over this base, and sprinkle the remainder of the crust mixture atop the filling. Bake in a 350F preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until the crust and topping are nicely browned. Cool somewhat before serving.

My dearly beloved was very excited by these cookie bars; he said the filling tasted exactly like apple pie. Indeed, the poor dear got into them when I wasn't looking, and ate too many. They were just that good.