Fruit Filled Oatmeal Bars

This recipe is very versatile as you can really make the filling any flavor you would like. They end up tasting a lot like cereal bars you can buy in the store and are great just as they are, but are also quite good warm with a little scoop of ice cream. (Of course, what isn't improved with a little scoop of ice cream!)

1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup quick cooking rolled oats
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup cold butter
1 small jar of jelly or jam of your choice (I used cherry preserves with a little orange marmalade added)

In a medium mixing bowl combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and baking soda. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1/2 cup of the mixture.
With your fingers press remaining crumb mixture in the bottom of an ungreased 9X9 baking pan. (This mixture is very dry!) Spread jelly or jam on top. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake at 350 for 30 - 35 minutes or until the top is golden.

(Sorry for the picture where they are almost completely gone...these simply don't last long in my house!)