Peanut Butter Apple Bars

Grease and flour a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.

Set aside. In a small mixing bowl, stir together the whole wheat flour and baking soda. Set aside.

In a large mixer bowl, beat the peanut butter and margarine or butter with an electric mixer on medium speed about 30 seconds or until softened. Add the sugar and vanilla, beating until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating for 1 minute after each addition.

Stir in the applesauce, then add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until well blended. Stir in the rolled oats and wheat germ. Turn the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in a 350° oven about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. To serve, cut into bars.

Makes 32 bars.