Cranberry Bars

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350°.
2. 2
   Lightly butter a 9 x 13-inch pan.
3. 3
   In a small bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons flour and sugar. Set aside.
4. 4
   In heavy saucepan over medium heat, bring cranberry sauce to a boil, stirring often. Stir in flour and sugar mixture. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. 5
   Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and orange peel.
6. 6
   Place in freezer to cool slightly.
7. 7
   In a large bowl, stir together 1 1/2 cups flour, oats, brown sugar, walnuts, soda, cinnamon and salt.
8. 8
   Using wooden spoon, stir in butter until mixture is well combined and crumbly.
9. 9
   Using fingers, press half of dough firmly and evenly over bottom of prepared pan. Spread cranberry mixture evenly over dough.
10. 10
    Sprinkle remaining dough evenly over filling. Bake at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes until light brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
11. 11
    With sharp knife, cut into 24 bars. Store in airtight container.