Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly oil an 8 by 12-inch baking dish or coat it with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

In a large bowl, work together oats, flour, brown sugar, salt and baking soda with your fingertips until no lumps of brown sugar remain.

Drizzle oil and fruit juice over the oats and mix in with your fingertips until evenly moistened and crumbly.

Set aside 1/2 cup for the topping; press the remainder evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Spread apricot preserves over the top. Sprinkle with the reserved oat topping.

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden. Let cool in the baking dish on a rack. Cut into 15 bars. Store at room temperature in an airtight container. Makes 15 bars.