In Case You're In the Mood For Something Sweet...

If you are in a baking mood, this just might hit the spot.

It's a blend of various oatmeal cookie recipes. A franken-recipe, if you will.

Dark Chocolate and Cherry Oatmeal Bars:

The original recipe called for an insane amount of butter. I cut it down to 3/4 cup and added another 1/4 cup applesauce.

Soften and beat with a mixer.

Add a cup of flour. I used whole wheat and it turned out great. Most oatmeal-based recipes can withstand the heaviness of whole wheat.

Also add a cup of brown sugar...

...an egg, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.

Beat until thoroughly combined. Add another 3/4 cup flour. Stir in 2 cups rolled oats.

Add a magic ingredient: about a hand full...or two.

And the other magic ingredient. It's dark chocolate. I'll let you decide how much.

Mix well.

Bake at 375* until the edges are golden.

Let cool.

Cut.

Put on a pretty plate and enjoy with a cup of hot tea.

Or hell, eat them out of the pan first thing in the morning like I've been doing all week.

Like I said, if you are in the mood for something sweet, this hits the spot.