
Try these for some quick energy any time
of the day. Source: Cherry Marketing Institute.
Power Bars
- 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
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- 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 13 x 9 x 2-inch
baking pan. Press down to make a firm layer. Set aside.
- Puree cherry filling with
an electric blender or food processor until smooth. Pour pureed
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.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes,
or until golden brown. Let cool before cutting into bars.
Makes 32 bars.
Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of the Cherry Marketing Institute.