A good basic, no-frills recipe for the classic fruit and oat-crumb cookie bars. For variation, use other jam flavors.

Raspberry Bars

3/4 cup butter or margarine
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups quick cooking oatmeal
1 (10-ounce) jar raspberry jam

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. In a bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking soda. Stir into the creamed mixture. When well-mixed stir in quick cooking oatmeal (uncooked).
4. Press half the mixture into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Spread raspberry jam on top and cover with the remaining oatmeal mixture.
5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool before cutting into bars.

Makes 24 bars.