BACKPACK SNACK BARS

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup thawed frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1/2 cup chopped pitted prunes
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1/4 cup wheat germ
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup fancy molasses
• 1 large egg

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt in a bowl; set aside.
2. Combine orange juice, dried apricots, nuts, oats, prunes, raisins, wheat germ and sesame seeds in a bowl; set aside.
3. Using medium speed of an electric mixer, beat together butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg until blended. Stir in flour mixture just until combined. Stir in orange juice concentrate mixture.
4. Spoon batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan and spread evenly.
5. Bake until golden brown and a cake tester inserted in centre comes out clean, about 35 minutes.
6. Cool in pan on a rack. Cut into bars. May be frozen.