Dried Fruit Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients:

• 3 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 cup finely chopped dried pears
• 1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries 
• 3/4 cup butter or margarine 
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
• 1 1/2 tablespoons corn syrup
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. In large bowl, combine oats and dried fruit; set aside.
3. In large heavy saucepan, melt butter over low heat. 
4. Stir in sugar, salt, lemon rind, corn syrup and vanilla; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
5. Remove from heat and stir in oat mixture.
6. Turn into 13-by 9-inch baking pan; press mixture to form an even layer.
7. Bake for 20 minutes.
8. Cut into bars while still warm.
9. Makes about 24 bars.