Gene Marshall Shares a Recipe

We've all been there.  You are invited to a Holiday soiree and the hostess asks if you could bring a dessert.  You'll be the hit of the party with my mom's recipe for "Quick Caramel Oat Bars".

Here's what you will need:

• 1-1/2 Cups rolled oats
• 3/4 Cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 5 T unsalted melted butter
• 1/2 tsp baking powder

15 minutes before baking, place rack in center of oven and preheat to 400 degrees.  Grease a 9" x 13" pan (To reduce fat use a non-stick pan or vegetable cooking spray).  In a large bowl mix the oats, sugar, butter, and baking powder until all the oats are moistened with butter and there are no lumps of sugar.  Press into the pan in a thin, even layer.  Bake 10 - 12 minutes until golden (7 - 10 minutes if using a non-stick pan).  Cool at least 10 minutes and cut into 2" squares.  Carefully transfer the squares to a cooling rack and cool completely.

Yield:  24 - 2" squares

Preparation time:  15 minutes

Baking time:  10-12 minutes (7-10 minutes using a non-stick pan)

Variations

1. Press above mixture into pan in a thin, even layer.  Sprinkle with 1 small package of semisweet chocolate chips.  Bake as directed above.
2. Remove from oven, immediately sprinkle with finely, chopped nuts.  Let cool thoroughly before cutting into squares.

Photo Credits:

Cocoa Rose Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.
Apron borrowed from Mattel's Holiday Hostess Barbie.
Dress from The Couture Touch.
Brooch from Integrity.