FRUIT AND NUT BARS
Makes 8 bars

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oatmeal, uncooked
11/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons butter, softened
2/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
2 Golden Delicious apples, cored and finely chopped (11/2 cups)
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.

In medium bowl, combine flour, oatmeal, cinnamon, baking powder and salt; set aside.

In large mixing bowl with electric mixer, beat butter, sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until well-combined. Scrape down sides of bowl, add flour mixture, and beat on low until smooth batter forms. Stir in apples, apricots and cranberries or raisins.

Spread batter in pan; top with pecans and bake 30 to 40 minutes or until center is firm and golden brown. Cool in pan. With serrated knife, cut into 8 bars.