Mixed-Fruit Crumb Bars

Oat crumb cookie bars loaded with dried fruits and nuts.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup quick cooking oatmeal
2/3 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup chopped dried apricot
3/4 cup dried mixed fruit
1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel
3/4 cup orange juice

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl combine flour, quick cooking oatmeal (uncooked), brown sugar, and baking soda. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Remove 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture, adding chopped nuts and set aside. Press the remainder into the bottom of an ungreased 9-inch square pan.
3. In a saucepan combine sugar and cornstarch; stir in apricots, dried mixed fruit, orange peel, and orange juice. Cook and stir until thick and bubbly, then spread over the crumb layer.
4. Sprinkle the reserved crumb/nut mixture on top and press in lightly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden.
5. Cool in the pan before cutting into bars.

Makes 12 bars.