Cranberry Oatmeal Bars (Chris M.)

1 c. fresh cranberries
1/2 c. and 2T sugar
2 1/2 c. flour
2 c. regular oats
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 c. butter, melted
1 1/2 c. chopped dates
3/4 c. chopped walnuts
1 c. caramel ice cream topping

Heat oven to 350F. In a bowl, combine betters and 2T sugar. In another bowl, combine 2c. flour, oats, 1/2 c. sugar, brown sugar and soda. Add butter and mix well. Reserve 1 c. mixture.

Press remaining mixture firmly into ungreased (I like with parchment so I can lift it out) pan. Bake 15 min.Sprinkle dates, nuts and cranberry mixture over crust. Mix caramel topping and 1/3 c. flour. Spoon over fruit and nuts. Top with reserved crumb mixture. Bake 20 minutes and cool completely.

YIELD: 3 dozen