1 1/2 c. quick or old fashioned rolled oats
1 1/4 c. all purpose flour
2/3 c. butter, melted
1/2 tsp. soda
1 (12 oz.) jar raspberry, strawberry, or apricot preserved
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. chopped nuts
1 (6 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In medium bowl combine oats, flour, sugar, butter, nuts, and soda; mix until crumbly.

Press 2 to 2 1/2 cups of the mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate pieces evenly over partially baked base. Spread raspberry preserves over the chips. Top with remaining crumb mixture.

Continue baking 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Chill 1-2 hours; cut into bars. Store securely wrapped in refrigerator. Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving. Makes a 9 x 13 inch pan of bars.