Power Bars

Try these cherry-filled power bars for quick pick-me-up snack any time of the day.

Recipe Ingredients:

3/4 cup butter or margarine
2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups old-fashioned or quick cooking oats
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 (21-ounce) can cherry filling
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed 3 to 4 minutes or until well mixed. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats and baking soda. Add flour mixture to butter mixture; mix on low speed until crumbly. Spread two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Press down to make a firm layer. Set aside.
3. Purée cherry filling with an electric blender or food processor until smooth. Pour puréed cherry filling into a medium saucepan. Combine sugar and cornstarch; stir into cherry filling. Cook, stirring constantly, over low heat until mixture is thick and bubbly. Stir in almond extract. Pour cherry mixture over oat layer; spread evenly. Top with remaining oat mixture.
4. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool before cutting into bars.

Makes 24 bars.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of the Cherry Marketing Institute.