Eat slowly and enjoy every bite of these moist tropically-inspired bars. A citrus syrup of pineapple and orange is sandwiched between a buttery oatmeal bottom and a macadamia-crumbled top.

Pineapple Crumb Bars

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup quick-cooking oats
2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup butter or margarine, chilled
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 1/4 cups crushed pineapple chunks, drained
3/4 cup orange juice
1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange peel

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl combine flour, oatmeal, brown sugar and baking soda. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Remove 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture, adding the macadamia nuts, and set aside.
3. Press remainder of the dough into bottom of an ungreased 9-inch baking pan.
4. Combine sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan; stir in pineapple chunks, orange juice and orange peel. Cook, stirring until thick and bubbly, then spread over crumb layer.
5. Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture on top and press in lightly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until top is golden. Remove from oven and let cool before cutting into bars.

Makes 16 bars.