Ingredients

  • 1 cup quick-cooking oats
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/2 cup dark raisins
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup golden molasses
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk
  • 1/4 cup toasted wheat germ
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • Pinch gray salt
  • 1/2 cup milk (2 percent is preferable)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Method

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
  • Place oats and sliced almonds on a baking sheet.
  • Toast in oven for 10 minutes.
  • Set aside.
  • Turn the oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Place raisins, apricots, oats, and almonds in a food processor.
  • Pulse about 10 times until coarsely chopped.
  • Set aside.
  • In the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer fitted with a paddle, beat the butter, brown sugar, molasses and egg until light and fluffy.
  • In a separate bowl, combine both flours, dry milk, wheat germ, baking powder, baking soda, vanilla, and salt.
  • Add to the creamed mixture.
  • Add the milk and mix thoroughly.
  • Add dried fruit mixture.
  • Butter a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking pan.
  • Pour in the batter and spread evenly.
  • Bake for about 30 minutes, until set.
  • Cool in the pan.
  • Cut into 18 (1 by 4-inch) bars.
  • To store, wrap bars individually in plastic wrap.
  • Will keep for about 1 week.
  • For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.