Chocolate, Cranberry and Oat Bars

Chef mariajane's Note:

This such a delectable dessert!1 You can also subatitute raisins for the cranberries, but I would suggest trying the cranberries first - so good!!

• Total Time: 22 mins
• Prep Time: 0 mins
• Cook Time: 22 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 32

• 1 cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 ½ cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup margarine
• 1 ½ cups brown sugar , firmly packed
• 2 eggs
• 4 squares baker's semisweet chocolate , coarsely chopped
• ½ cup pecan pieces

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Combine cranberries and orange juice in microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 30 seconds. Let stand 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, combine flour, oats, baking powder, and salt: set aside.
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. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in cranberry mixture, chocolate and pecans.
6. Spread dough firmly into 13x9-inch baking pan sprayed with cooking spray.
7. Bake 20-22 minutes or until center is set. Cool completely on wire rack before cuttng to serve.