Katie Morag's Porridges

These granola bar-like cookies actually come from a children's book!  My mom was reading the book to her elementary school class and they begged her to make the recipe for them...the rest is history!  This sort of sounds like a strange recipe with no flour, eggs, or leavening, but the cookies are amazing - trust me!  These cookies are seriously addictive - although they're sort of similar to granola bars, they have a lot more butter and sugar and so are even more delicious (and dessert-appropriate).  The maple syrup is definitely necessary to lend a subtle maple flavor to the bars.  Also, these are gluten free! (Just make sure to purchase oats specifically labeled as "gluten free," as some brands are processed on the same machines as flour.) 

Katie Morag's Porridges (adapted from The Big Katie Morag Storybook)
Makes one 8x12 pan

4 ounces butter (1 stick)
3 ounces brown sugar
2 T maple syrup
Pinch of salt
8 ounces rolled oats or quick oats
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/4 cup golden raisins

1. Grease an 8x12 baking pan and preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
2. Melt the butter.  Remove from heat and add the brown sugar, maple syrup, and salt.  Mix until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Add the oats and mix well.  Add the chocolate chips and raisins and mix again.
4. Press the oats firmly into the baking pan in an even layer.  Bake 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.  While the porridges are still warm, score them with a knife to make cutting them later easier.  Cool, and then cut into pieces. Store in an air-tight container.