Better Energy Bars

These Energy Bars, or Cookies as we call them, are a staple in our kitchen and an item we try to never run out of. I like them best the second day. For whatever reason they improve with age. And they freeze well.

1 cup stone ground whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 stick (1/4 pound) butter or margarine, soft
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
2 cups peanut butter (we use chunky)
1/2 cup applesauce, natural non-sweetened
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups oatmeal (not the "quick" kind)

Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees.

In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a larger bowl, mix together softened butter or margarine and brown sugar. Stir well. A wire whisk works well.

Mix the eggs into the mixture.

Add peanut butter. Stir well.

Add the applesauce, water, and vanilla. Mix until well blended.

Now, add the smaller bowl's dry ingredients. Stir until thoroughly mixed.

If you've been using a wire whisk, set it aside and use a large spoon or stiff spatula for the rest of the recipe.

One cup at a time, mix the oatmeal into batter until the grain is well coated.

Drop batter onto ungreased baking sheet. Drops can be 2 to 6 tablespoons in size.

Back at 325 for about 13 minutes (4 Tbl size)

Yield varies, depending on size of cookie.