Chocolate, Cranberry and Oat Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 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
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
• 2 eggs
• 4 squares baker's semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup pecan pieces

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. 2

   Combine cranberries and orange juice in microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 30 seconds. Let stand 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, combine flour, oats, baking powder, and salt: set aside.

4. 4

   Beat margarine and sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. 5

   Gradually add flour mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in cranberry mixture, chocolate and pecans.

6. 6

   Spread dough firmly into 13x9-inch baking pan sprayed with cooking spray.

7. 7

   Bake 20-22 minutes or until center is set. Cool completely on wire rack before cuttng to serve.