Oatmeal Scotchie Bars

If I ever write a cookbook, I'm going to make it a collection of my "slam dunk" recipes--the ones that always work and are special for some reason. This is one of those recipes--and it might even be the first recipe in my cookbook. These bars are exactly what bar cookies are meant to be--easy to make, easy to bake and require no special treatment in storing or transporting. Add to that the fact that they're plain enough that kids like to eat them and different enough that adults enjoy them, too, and they're practically perfect. Another reason I like these is that I remember my mom making them a lot when I was a kid.

I spent the Fourth of July this year with some long time friends and these bars were a hit with my friend, so I want to share them with everyone.

Oatmeal Scotchie Bars

1 C. all purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
½ t. salt
1 t. cinnamon
1 C. butter
¾ C. sugar
¾ C. packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla
3 C. quick oats
1 package butterscotch chips

Bake in a 375ºF oven 7-8 minutes for cookies, 25 minutes for bar cookies in a 15 X 10 ½ X 1 pan (or a 13 X 9 pan).