Fruit Filled Oatmeal Bars

I'm always on the lookout for some simple treats to keep around the house for snacks and lunches. I found this recipe in the Better Homes and Garden cookbook a long time ago. I like to cut them up after they are cooled and wrap in plastic wrap for my son's lunch. The original recipe calls for 25 servings. But I cut them into 12 bars. They come out to about 225 calories and 8 grams of fat when prepared with regular strawberry preserves. Not the greatest nutritionally.I plan on reworking this recipe in the future to cut back on the fat and sugar and increase the fiber content to make it healthier. I'll also post a picture of my results. Well, that's all for now! It's Saturday and I've got some housecleaning to do.

Fruit Filled Oatmeal Bars

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup margarine or butter
fruit filling (or one of the options listed below)
10 ounces preserves (I prefer strawberry preserves

In mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and baking soda.

Cut in margarine/butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Reserve 1/2 cup of the flour mixture.

Press remaining flour mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9x9x2 baking pan.

Spread with desired filling.

Sprinkle with reserved flour mixture.

Bake at 350F for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden.

Cool in pan on wire rack.

Cut into bars.

FILLING OPTIONS:

RAISIN FILLING:.

In medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Add 1 cup raisins. Cook & stir until thickened & bubbly.

APPLE-CINNAMON FILLING:.

Peel/core/chop 2 medium apples. In medium saucepan, combine apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a dash of ground cloves. Bring apple mixture to a boil; reduce heat & simmer 8-10 minutes or until apples are very tender.

APRICOT-COCONUT FILLING:.

In medium saucepan, combine 1 cup diced dried apricots and 3/4 cup water. Bring apricot mixture to boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 5 minutes. Meanwhile, combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon all purpose flour. Stir into apricot mixture. Cook and stir 1 minute more or until mixture is very thick. Stir in 1/2 cup coconut.