CHEWY SCOTCH SQUARES

This old recipe was the Senior Winner in Pillsbury's 5th Grand National Recipe and Baking Contest (now known as the Pillsbury Bake-Off).

3/4 cup sifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp double-acting baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 cup peach or apricot preserves or jam
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Melt the butter in a 2-quart saucepan. Add the brown sugar to the melted butter and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in the preserves or jam to mix well. Add the oats to the flour mixture and mix thoroughly to blend. Add the butter mixture to the dry mixture and mix well. Cover a baking sheet that has sides with aluminum foil. Turn up the edges of the foil about 1/2-inch all the way around. Spread the dough in the center of the foil and spread to about a six-inch square. Bake at 300 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Dough will spread during baking. Cool 15 minutes; sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut into squares or bars.

 Note: File Photo