OATMEAL FRUIT SQUARES

I made these Oatmeal Fruit Squares to take to Couples Bridge the other night.  Everyone was to bring either an appetizer or dessert. Most of the time "pot luck" turns out fine.  This time though everyone decided to bring an appetizer but me.  So these Oatmeal Fruit Squares was our only dessert.  No one complained.  My homemade preserves made them so delicious.

I made these for adults, but they would be great as a snack for kids.

OATMEAL FRUIT SQUARES

1       cup flour
1       cup quick-cooking oats
1/2    cup packed brown sugar
1/4    teaspoon salt
1/4    teaspoon baking soda
1/2    cup cold margarine
3/4    cup fruit preserves (apricot, strawberry, peach, etc)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Spray an 8 inch square baking pan with cooking spray.

In a bowl, combine the first five ingredients.

Cut in the margarine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. (Cut the stick of margarine in thin slices to make this process easier. Can use a fork to cut in the margarine.)

Press half of the mixture (or as much as necessary) to cover the bottom of the pan.

Spread with the preserves. (I did half in my apricot preserves and half in my strawberry preserves. Well, almost half.)

Sprinkle with the remaining oat mixture.

Gently press down the oat mixture.

Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool on a wire rack.

Cut into 16 squares.