This Snack Bar Makes Quick, Easy Meal

It’s easier to eat healthfully when heart-smart fare is close at hand.

These make-ahead fruit bars are ideal for breakfast in the car or to pack as a snack in a lunch box.

Sunshine Fruit Bars

1-1/2 cups uncooked oats, quick or old-fashioned

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt, optional

1 cup orange juice

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla

6-ounce package diced dried mixed fruit

2 additional tablespoons uncooked oats, quick or old-fashioned

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease 13-by-9-inch baking pan or spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Combine 1 cups oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Add combined juice, oil, egg and vanilla; mix well.

Stir in fruit. Spread into prepared pan. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons oats. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until lightly browned and edges pull away from sides of pan.

Cool completely. Cut into bars. Store tightly covered.

Yield: 20 servings.

Note: To freeze, place individual bars in small freezer bags; seal, label and freeze. Thaw at room temperature or unwrap and microwave at high about 30 seconds per bar.

Nutrition information per bar: 120 calories, 4 grams fat (33 percent fat calories), 10 milligrams cholesterol, 40 milligrams sodium.