Shelly's Recipe

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY STREUSEL SQUARES

Category: Bars

1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups (quick or old-fashioned) oats, uncooked
1/2 cup sugar and firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup butter, chilled
1 cup raspberry preserves or jam
1 (6 oz) pkg semi-sweet chocolate pieces
1/4 cup chopped almonds
3 oz semi-sweet chocolate pieces OR 4 oz -white chocolate – melted

Heat oven to 375. Combine flour, oats, sugars, baking powder and salt. Cut in margarine until mixture is crumbly. Reserve 1 cup for streusel; set aside.

Press remaining oat mixture onto bottom of ungreased 9-inch square baking pan. Bake 10 minutes.

Spread preserves over crust; sprinkle evenly with chocolate pieces. Combine reserved oat mixture and almonds; sprinkle over chocolate pieces, patting gently. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely. Drizzle with melted chocolate, if desired. Cut into squares.

*To melt chocolate: Place in medium microwaveable bowl. Microwave at HIGH 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Or, place in top part of double boiler over hot, not boiling, water; stir occasionally until smooth.