Chocolate-Cranberry Oat Bars

1 cup dried cranberries OR raisins
1/4 cup pulp-free orange juice
1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1-1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
1 tsp. aluminum-free baking powder
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1-1/2 sticks butter, room temperature
1-1/2 cups Sucanat sugar (healthier than brown sugar)
2 whole large eggs
4 whole squares semi-sweet baking chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine cranberries (or raisins) and orange juice in a microwavable bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Let it stand for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile in a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

Beat butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl on medium speed, until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until well blended after each addition. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in cranberry mixture, chocolate, and pecans.

Spread dough into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until center is set. Cool completely on wire rack before cutting.