Apple Bars

4 cups/1 liter peeled and sliced apples
1 cup/250 mL sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup/125 mL vegetable oil
1 tsp/5 mL Watkins Pure Vanilla Extract
1 cup/250 mL raisins
Water
2-1/2 cups/625 mL all-purpose flour
1-1/2 tsp/7.5 mL baking soda
2 tsp/10 mL Watkins Cinnamon
3/4 cup/180 mL chopped walnuts
1/4 cup/60 mL sugar
1 tsp/5 mL Watkins Cinnamon

Mix apples and sugar together in medium bowl. Let stand 1 to 3 hours to draw out juice. Add eggs, oil and vanilla. In small saucepan, add raisins and just enough water to cover; bring to a boil, then drain. Combine raisins, flour, soda, 2 tsp/10 mL cinnamon, and nuts. Fold in apple mixture. Spread in a greased 15 × 10-inch/38 × 25-cm baking pan. Combine remaining sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over bars. Bake at 350°F/180°C for 20 to 25 minutes or until bars test done. If desired, bars can be frosted with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Makes 36 bars, 1 per serving.

Cream Cheese Frosting
1 package (3 oz/85 mL) cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp/15 mL butter, softened
2 cups/500 mL powdered sugar
1 tsp/5 mL Watkins Pure Vanilla Extract

Combine all ingredients in small mixing bowl and beat until smooth.