FRUIT AND CHOCOLATE STREUSEL SQUARES

FRUIT AND CHOCOLATE STREUSEL SQUARES


I N G R E D I E N T S




1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1-1/2 cups quick or old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt, optional

1 cup cold butter or margarine

3/4 cup raspberry,strawberry ot apricot preserves

2 cups (12 ounces) NESTLE Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate

Morsels

1/4 cup chopped almonds

Confectioners' sugar, optional



D I R E C T I O N S



In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, sugars, baking powder and salt. Cut in

butter until crumbly; reserve 1 cup oat mixture for topping. Press remaining

oat mixture into a greased 9-inch square baking pan. Spread preserves over

crust; spinkle with morsels. Combine reserved oat mixture and nuts; sprinkle

over morsels. Pat down lightly. Bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes or

until golden brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack until chocolate is

firm or refrigerate for 30 minutes to speed cooling. Sprinkle with

confectioners' sugar if desired.



Yield: 2-1/2 dozen