Cherry Power Bars

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350°.
2. 2
   Put butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl.
3. 3
   Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed 3 to 4 minutes, or until well mixed.
4. 4
   Combine flour, oats, baking soda and salt.
5. 5
   Add flour mixture to sugar mixture and beat on low speed until crumbly.
6. 6
   Spread 2/3 of the oat mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
7. 7
   Press down to make a firm layer.
8. 8
   Put cherry pie filling in an electric blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
9. 9
   Pour cherry puree into a medium saucepan.
10. 10
    Combine granulated sugar and cornstarch and stir into cherry puree.
11. 11
    Cook, stirring constantly, over low heat until mixture is thick and bubbly.
12. 12
    Stir in almond extract.
13. 13
    Pour cherry mixture over oat layer and spread evenly.
14. 14
    Top with remaining oat mixture.
15. 15
    Bake 30- 35 minutes or until golden brown.
16. 16
    Let cool and cut into bars.