CRANBERRY CARAMEL BARS

1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
2 tablespoons sugar
2-1/3 cups flour, divided use
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 10-ounce package dates, chopped
3/4 cup pecans, chopped
1 (12-ounce) jar caramel sauce

Stir together cranberries and 2 tablespoons of sugar; set aside.

Combine 2 cups of the flour with the baking soda, oats and sugars. Stir in butter and vanilla until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of this oat mixture. Press remaining mixture into a lightly greased 9-by-13-inch pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle with dates, pecans and cranberry mixture.

Stir together caramel sauce and remaining 1/3 cup flour; spoon over date, pecans and cranberries. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture.

Bake for 20 minutes more or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack and cut into squares.

Makes 24 bars
Runner-up, submitted by Dee Ciaravino of Pleasanton.
Source: Inside Bay Area.com
Step up to the bar by By Jolene Thym, 11/28/2007