Raspberry bars

Heat oven to 375° - grease a 9x13" pan

For crust & topping:

In a mixing bowl, combine ingredients and mix together until crumbly:

3/4 cup melted butter

3/4 cup dark brown sugar (light brown will work)

1-1/4 cups flour

1-1/4 cups rolled oats

1/4 teasp. baking soda

1-1/2 cups chopped walnuts

Reserve approx. 1-1/2 cups of crumbs for the topping... set aside for later.

Press the remaining crumbs onto the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 12 minutes.

Remove from oven, cool 5 minutes.

Lower oven temperature to 350°.

Spread 1-1/2 to 2 cups of raspberry preserves (Trader Joe's brand is delicious, but I also use Solo filling) over the top of the par-baked crust CAREFULLY... dropping by teasps. all over and then gently spreading it evenly.

Sprinkle the remaining crumbs over the top of the fruit filling and gently press down a bit.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is light golden-brown. Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting into bars.

Other flavors can be substituted for raspberry - apricot is delicious too!!

Fore a more enhanced flavor, toast the walnuts beforehand (350° for 10 minutes, then cool before chopping).