Chocolate, Cranberry & Oat Bars

• dried cranberries↗1 cup
• orange juice↗1⁄4 cup
• flour↗1 1⁄2 cups
• quick-cooking oats↗1 1⁄2 cups
• baking powder↗1 teaspoon
• salt↗1⁄4 teaspoon
• non-hydrogenated margarine↗3⁄4 cup
• brown sugar, firmly packed↗1 1⁄2 cups
• eggs↗2
• semi-sweet chocolate baking squares, coarsely chopped (BAKER'S)↗4
• pecan pieces↗1⁄2 cup

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 (degrees fahrenheit).

2. 2

   Combine cranberries and orange juice in microwavable bowl. Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds. Let stand 10 minutes.

3. 3

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

4. 4

   Beat margarine and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until well blended after each addition.

5. 5

   Gradually add flour mixture, mixing well after each addition Stir in cranberry mixture, chocolate and pecans.

6. 6

   Spread dough firmly into a 13x9-inch baking pan sprayed with cooking spray.

7. 7

   Bake 20-22 minutes or until centre is set. Cool completely (on wire rack) before cutting to serve.