Cherry Oatmeal Bars

It's cherry season in the Okanagan and since my backyard is few acres of cherry trees in many different varieties I have unlimited supply of fresh cherries for about 5 weeks.

I love cherries and nothing beat the taste of ice cold and crunchy cherry.

Since there is an abundance of cherries right under my nose I decided to take advantage of it and try many recipes and dishes using fresh cherries.



Last night I decided to make something between cobbler and crumble.

I call it Cherry Oatmeal Bars.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Cherries (pitted)
• 11/2 cup Sugar
• 3 Tbsp Cornstarch
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 11/2 cup Oats
• 11/2 cup Flour
• 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• Pinch of Salt
• 1 cup Brown Sugar
• 1 cup Butter (softened)

In the pot combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch and vanilla. Cook the filling until thick.

Let it cool down completely.

Preheat the oven to 350F.

In a bowl combine together oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, brown sugar. Mix well and add chopped up butter.Work it into a crust.

Pat 2/3 of the crust mixture into greased 9" x 9" pan.

Cover with layer of cherry filling and spread the rest of the crust.

Sprinkle with some oats and cinnamon.



Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.




Cool before cutting and serve with vanilla ice cream.