Fruit-Filled Oatmeal Bars

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ cup margarine or butter

Filling Options: 10-ounce jar of preserves, raisin filling or apple filling.

In a mixing bowl combine flour, oats, brown sugar and baking soda. Cut in margarine or butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve ½ cup of the flour mixture. Press remaining mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9x9x2 inch baking pan. Spread with desired filling. Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture onto the filling. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or till the top is golden. Cool in the pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Makes 25.

Raisin Filling: In a medium saucepan combine ½ cup water, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Add 1 cup of raisins. Cook and stir till thickened and bubbly.

Apple-Cinnamon Filling: Peel, core, and chop 2 medium apples (about 10-ounces). In a medium saucepan combine apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a dash ground cloves. Bring apple mixture to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer for 8-10 minutes or till apples are very tender.

Dried apple slices from the cannery: 2 cups dried apple slices. Boil in 4 cups water for 10 minutes, drain. Use as directed in apple-cinnamon filling.