Chocolate Cranberry Oat Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) margarine, softened
• 1-1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spray a 13"x9" baking pan with cooking spray.

• Combine cranberries and orange juice in microwaveable bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Let stand 10 min.
  

• Meanwhile, combine flour, oats, baking powder and salt; set aside.
  

• Beat margarine and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in cranberry mixture, chocolate and pecans.
  

• Spread dough into prepared pan.

• Bake 25-30 min. or until lightly browned and middle is set.
  

• Cool completely on wire rack before cutting into bars.