Recipe: Powerhouse Dried Plum Bars

Powerhouse Dried Plum Bars
Source: California Dried Plum Board
Makes 16

1 1/2 cups (about 9 ounces) coarsely chopped dried plums
1/3 cup apricot jam
No-stick cooking spray
2 cups rolled oats (old fashioned or quick, uncooked)
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg
1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
Powdered sugar (optional)

In medium bowl, combine dried plums and apricot jam; set aside.

Lightly spray 8-inch square baking pan with no-stick cooking spray.

In large bowl, combine oats, sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt and soda; mix well.

Lightly beat together egg and butter; add to oats mixture, mixing until crumbly. Press 2 cups of mixture into bottom of prepared pan. Spread dried plum mixture over oats; sprinkle remaining oat mixture over top.

Bake at 350F oven 20 to 22 minutes or until deep golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired; cut into 16 bars.