Raspberry Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup rolled oats, old fashioned
• 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup raspberry jam, seedless if preferred

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Fit an 8 by 8-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, letting a 2-inch flap hang over 2 opposite sides, then grease the foil.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda and salt together. Mix in the oats and brown sugar, using your clean fingertips to rub out any stubborn brown sugar lumps. Add the butter, then work it in with your fingertips until the whole mixture is evenly damp and crumbly.
3. Scoop 2 cups of the oat mixture into the prepared dish and press it down into a level base. Spoon the raspberry jam over the oat layer and spread it evenly, stopping within 1/4-inch of every edge. Scatter the rest of the oat mixture over the top, then gently press it into the jam.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F until the bars are golden, about 34 – 38 minutes. Take the pan out of the oven and let everything cool completely before you cut it into squares. Keep the bars in an airtight container.