Raisin Bars

I have to recount a warm fuzzy memory that this baking recipe gives me. My grandmother always had sweets on hand whenever anyone came over. She'd always have a Tupperware container filled with bars and cookies. I always loved going over to her house because she'd always let us take at least one. These bars were almost always one that she had around whenever we came over to her house. Whenever I make these bars, I always remember those times with my grandmother with a warm smile.

1 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup melted shortening

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 1 teaspoon of hot water

1 1/4 cups oatmeal (quick cooking kind)

1 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon vanilla