A layer of fruit preserves is nestled next
to a layer of chocolate in this delectable bar cookies. Oats
and almonds give them a chewy texture to offset the sweetness
of the filling.
Fruit and
Chocolate Streusel Squares
1 1/2 cups all-purpose
flour
1 1/2 cups quick OR old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt, (optional)
1 cup butter OR margarine, softened
3/4 cup raspberry, strawberry OR apricot preserves
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped almonds
1/4 cup powdered sugar, (optional)
Preheat oven to 350º
F. Grease 9-inch-square baking pan.
Combine flour, oats, granulated
sugar, brown sugar, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Cut
in butter with pastry blender or two knives; reserve 1 cup oat
mixture for topping. Press remaining oat mixture into prepared
baking pan. Spread preserves over crust; sprinkle with morsels.
Combine reserved oat mixture
with nuts; sprinkle over chocolate chips. Pat down lightly.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes
or until golden brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack until
chocolate is firm, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to speed cooling.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
