Oatmeal Cinnamon Chip Bars

Before I get to these yummy bars today, I thought I'd show you what we've been doing on this holiday.  A lot of lounging around...in our p.j.'s...

Then we got our butts outside before the sweltering heat set in.  After a trip to our daycare provider (to drop off the little misses essentials for her first day tomorrow), both kiddos are happily tucked in for their afternoon naps.

Tomorrow starts the craziness, so I'm relishing in this moment.

I still need to figure out what I'm wearing my first day back.  And yes, that is an adventure considering I've had two babies in two years and I've mostly been wearing maternity clothes or sweats.  Not to mention, not all the baby weight is gone, so who knows what even fits.

And tomorrow officially starts my "unofficial" first day of Weight Watchers.  It worked for me well in the past, so I'm hoping it works again.

Ahem...ugh...these bars are NOT listed on any top healthy food lists.  I'm pretty sure one bar is probably a gazillion points.  Oh well, today is Memorial Day, and in my world holidays = no dieting.

I found this recipe on the back of my oatmeal container and low and behold I had all the ingredients on hand.  There is still time to whip up a batch for your Memorial Day barbecue tonight!

I have problems with waiting for baked goods to cool...

Oatmeal Cinnamon Chip Bars
1 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
2 T. milk
1 1/2 t. vanilla
1 1/2 c. flour
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
4 c. old fashioned oats
1 c. cinnamon chips
1 c. chocolate chips

Heat oven to 375 degrees.  In a large bowl, blend shortening with sugars, adding sugar gradually.  Add eggs, milk and vanilla; beat well.  Add flour, soda and salt; beat well.  Stir in oats, cinnamon chips and chocolate chips.

Spread batter in a greased 9x13 pan.  Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.  Let bars cool before cutting into squares (this I didn't do!).

P.S. - If making into cookies, it yields 42.

So, who wants to try these???