Chewy Cherry-Almond Bars

Sister Burdett brought a very yummy treat to the Relief Society Christmas dinner. Many sisters asked for the recipe. Here it is for everyone to have, use and enjoy:

Chewy Cherry-Almond Bars

Prep Time: 20 min
Bake Time: 35 min
Oven Temp: 350*F

Ingredients:
1 cup Butter, softened
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 egg
1 tsp almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups regular rolled oats
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 12-ounce jar (1 cup) cherry preserves

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350*F. Line a 13X9X2-inch baking pan with foil, extending foil over edges. Grease foil; set pan aside.
2. In a large bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and baking powder. Beat until combined, scraping side of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg and almond extract until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour, the oats, and almonds.
3. Remove 1/2 cup of the dough and set aside. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Spread with preserves. Crumble the reserved dough evenly over preserves layer.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Using edges of foil, lift cookies out of pan. Cut into bars. Makes 36 bars.

To store:
Place in a single layer in an airtight container; cover. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.