Instructions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9- by 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, margarine, and vanilla in a large bowl. Cut the margarine into the mixture with a pastry blender or 2 knives until the mixture is crumbly.

Press half of the oat mixture over the bottom of the baking dish. Spread the apricot preserves over the oat mixture. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the apricot preserves, and gently press.

Bake for 35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Comments: Serve these tasty apricot bars with coffee or tea for an intimate, yet informal, get together.

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