Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1/4 cup orange, pineapple, apple, or cranberry juice
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2/3 cup margarine, softened (about 10 1/2 tablespoons)
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

1. Wash hands.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with cooking spray; set aside.
3. Combine the cranberries and juice in a microwavable bowl. Microwave on high 30 seconds. Let stand 10 minutes.
4. Combine the flour, oats, baking powder, and salt; set aside. 
5. Beat the brown sugar and margarine together with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until well blended. Beating the eggs adds lightness and volume to the bars.
6. Gradually stir in flour mixture, mixing well.
7. Stir in cranberry mixture and nuts, if desired. Spread the dough evenly in prepared pan.
8. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until the center is set. Cool completely on wire rack before cutting.

TIP -- This is a great snack cake. Package bars in sandwich bags for take-and-go snacks or breakfast bars. The quick oats are a whole grain and the juice and dried cranberries provide fruit. Try this with raisins if your family likes them.

In the kitchen with Liz ... preparing cranberry oatmeal bars