Berry Bars

Ingredients:

Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries or raspberries
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Bar:

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup quick cooking rolled oats
• ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup margarine or butter, melted
• ⅛ teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine berries, sugar, water, lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon.
2. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Stir frequently. Remove from heat.

Bar

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, stir together flour, oats, brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and baking soda.
3. Stir in melted margarine or butter. Mix until thoroughly combined. Set aside 1 cup of the oat mixture for topping.
4. Press oat mixture into an ungreased 8 x 8 x 2-inch pan.
5. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned.

To assemble bars:

1. Spread berry filling on top of baked crust.
2. Sprinkle remaining oat mixture evenly over the top. Lightly press oat mixture into filling.
3. Bake for 20 more minutes or until topping is set. Cool on a wire rack and cut into bars.