Apple Rhubarb Bars

Last night it poured rain...like build-an-ark kind of rain so it was a good time to bake! Isn't anytime a good time to bake?

2 cups diced apple (I used Gala apples)
1/2 cup chopped rhubarb
( or any combination to total 2 1/2 cups of fruit)
2 tbsps strawberry jam
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup flour

1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup cold butter

Toss apples, rhubarb, strawberry jam, lemon juice and vanilla together and add 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup flour.  Set aside.

Mix 1  1/2 cups flour, oats, 1/2 cup brown sugar, salt, cinnamon together and cut in the cold butter.

Reserve 1 1/2 cups of crumbs for the top. 

Grease an 8 X 8" baking pan and press the rest of the crumbs into the bottom and bake at 375 F for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and pour in the fruit mixture. Spread evenly.

Reduce heat to 350 F. Sprinkle the reserved crumbs on top and press gently.

Bake for 30 - 35 minutes. Cook and cut into bars.