2 c. rolled oats
1 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. butter, melted
1/3 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 c. chopped nuts
1/2 tsp. salt, optional
1/2 tsp. baking soda
10-12 oz. jar favorite fruit preserves

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 11 x 7 inch glass baking dish. Combine all ingredients except preserves; mix well. Reserve 3/4 cup oats mixture. Press remaining mixture onto bottom of prepared dish. Bake 10 minutes. Spread preserves over partially baked base to within 1/2 inch of edge of pan; sprinkle with reserved oats mixture. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool; cut into bars. Store tightly covered at room temperature.