Chocolate, Cranberry and Oat Bars

1 cup dried cranberries
¼ cup orange juice
1 ½ cups flour
1 ½ cups quick-cooking oats
1 tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
¾ cup margarine, softened
1 ½ cups firmly packed brown sugar
2 eggs
4 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate, coarsely chopped
½ cup pecan pieces

Preheat oven to 350*F. Combine cranberries and orange juice in microwavable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 30 seconds. Let stand 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine flour, oats, baking powder and salt; set aside. Beat margarine and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating until well blended after each addition. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in cranberry mixture, chocolate and pecans. Spread dough into 13x9 inch baking pan sprayed with cooking spray. Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until center is set. Cool completely on wire rack before cutting to serve.

Submitted by Tara S. from Kraft Food and Family Holiday 2007