Easy Recipe

Here's an easy bar recipe that's perfect for Christmas gatherings:

Cherry Pie Bars
2 cups quick cooking oats
2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar, softened
1 1/4 cups butter
1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
3/4 tsp. shortening

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar and butter until crumbly. Set aside 1-1/2 cups for topping. Press remaining crumb mixture into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 15-18 minutes or until edges begin to brown.
• In a small bowl, combine pie filling and extract; carefully spread over crust. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake 20-25 minutes longer or until edges and topping are lightly browned.
• In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over warm bars. Cool completely on a wire rack. Yield: 3 dozen.