2 c. oats, uncooked
1 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. butter, melted
1/3 c. packed brown sugar
1/3 c. chopped nuts
1/2 tsp. salt, optional
1/2 tsp. baking soda
10 to 12 oz. jar 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 evenly over partially baked base to within 1/2 inch of edge of pan; sprinkle with reserved mixture. Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until golden brown, cool, cut into bars. Store tightly covered at room temperature.