Apple Crumb Bars

2 cups Oats ($.40)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ($.15)
1 cup packed brown sugar ($.20)
1/2 cup applesauce (free)
1/4 cup butter, melted ($.25)
1 tsp ground cinnamon ($.01)
1/2 tsp baking soda ($.01)
1/2 tsp salt, optional ($.01)
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg ($.01)
1 cup applesauce (free, but up to $1)
1/2 cup chopped nuts ($.50)

Prehead over to 350 degrees F. In large bowl, combine all ingredients except 1 cup applesauce (the 1/2 cup applesauce is a substitue for part of the butter and works fine and needs to be added now) and nuts; mix until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup oats mixture. Press remaining ingredients into bottom of greased 13x9 metal baking pan (I used glass and was fine). Bake 13-15 minutes; cool. Spread applesauce over partially baked crust. Sprinkle reserved 1 cup oats mixture over top; sprinkle with nuts. Bake 13-15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack; cut into 2-inch squares.

Makes about 2 dozen bars.

TOTAL COST: $1.54 - $2.54

*I like these chilled/frozen because they are a little soggy with the applesauce at room temperature.

DID YOU SEE THE STRETCHER??? I use applesauce all the time in place of part or all of oil or butter. It is cheap because I can usually get apples for free and can the applesauce myself and it lowers the fat content by far and adds a yummy taste. Any questions?