Cranberry Chocolate Bars

1 1/4 cups (2 sticks + 4 tbs) butter, softened
3/4 cup granulate sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsps pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tbsps orange zest
1 1/2 tsps baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 1/4 quick cooking oats
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/4 cups coarsely chopped fresh or dried cranberries (soaked in hot water 10-15 minutes to soften)
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1/4 cup chocolate chips for drizzel (optional)

Preheat oven to 325 deg F. Lightly grease 9x12 pan. In bowel, cream butter and sugars. Beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; continue beating until well mixed. Reduce speed to low; add flour, orange zest, baking powder and salt. Beat until well mixed. Stir in oats, chocolate chips and cranberries. Spread into prepared pan. Top with chopped pecans if desired. Bake 30-35 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool completely on rack. Drizzle with melted chocolate if desired. Cut into bars.

Makes 48 bars.