Oatmeal Raspberry Bars

To prevent having to discard hardened brown sugar and purchase a new supply, always store it in a thick, resealable plastic bag. Even if you buy boxed brown sugar, store the box in a plastic bag.

Ingredients

3/4 cup margarine

1 cup light brown sugar

1 1/2 cup rolled or quick oats

1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

10 oz red-raspberry preserves

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Beat margarine and brown sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer set at medium until light and fluffy, about 1 minute.

2. Add oats, flour, salt and baking soda to bowl; mix until crumbly. Press half the mixture into prepared baking dish.

3. Spread preserves evenly over oat mixture. Sprinkle remaining oat mixture over preserves.

4. Bake until lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Cool completely before cutting into bars.