Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
     1/2  cup           shortening
     1/2  cup           sugar
     1/2  cup           maple syrup
   1                    egg
   1      teaspoon      pure vanilla extract
   1      cup           all-purpose flour
   1      teaspoon      baking powder
   1      teaspoon      salt
     1/2  cup           nuts* -- chopped
   1      cup           quick-cooking oats
                        vanilla ice cream -- (optional)

Preparation:

*walnuts, almonds, pecans or a mixture Makes 18 two x three-inch bars 1. Cream together shortening and sugar; mix in maple syrup, egg and vanilla until smooth. 2. Sift in flour, baking powder and salt; blend well. 3. Stir in nuts and oats. 4. Pour into a 9 x 12-inch rectangular cake pan; bake in preheated 350 F. oven for 30 to 35 minutes. 5. Cool on cake rack. 6. Make two lengthwise cuts and five crosswise; sensational served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on each square.