Cranberry Oat Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried cranberries (I LOVE the Sunmaid ones over Craisins)
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup margarine, softened
• 1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup pecan pieces or 1/2 cup walnut pieces
• 2/3 cup chocolate chips (white, semi-sweet, milk, etc.) (optional)

Instructions

1. PREHEAT oven to 350ºF.
2. Combine cranberries and orange juice in microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 30 sec. Let stand 10 minute.
3. Meanwhile, combine flour, oats, baking powder and salt; set aside.
4. Beat margarine and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in cranberry mixture, chocolate (if using) and nuts.
6. SPREAD dough into 13x9-inch baking pan sprayed with cooking spray.
7. BAKE 20 to 22 minute or until center is set. Cool completely on wire rack before cutting into bars.