Even though the story about George Washington chopping down the cherry tree is just an urban legend and didn’t actually happen, I still like to serve something with cherries on President’s day. It’s become a tradition in our household, and family members and friends expect it. I make these throughout the year, too, since they’re really good and can be assembled in minimum time.
Toasting the almonds brings out their flavor, and they make a great combination with the dried cherry filling. To toast almonds, spread them out on a baking sheet and bake in a 350° oven for about 10 minutes, or until they start to smell good,
President's Day Cherry Bars
24 Bars or Squares
Filling
2 cups dried cherries
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon red food color, (optional)
5 cups Basic Oatmeal Cookie Mix
1/2 cup coarsely chopped and toasted almonds
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup water
- Preheat the oven to 350°.
- Spray a 9 x 9” baking pan with non-stick spray.
- Mix the filling ingredients in a saucepan; bring to a boil and simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and cool (it doesn’t need to be completely cool, just warm). I always put it in the freezer to speed up the cooling process.
- Mix the cookie mix with the almonds, almond extract, and water.
- Press 1/2 of the mixture onto the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Spread the filling evenly over the top of the cookie dough.
- Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the filling and press slightly to even it out.
- Bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Cool and cut into bars or squares.
Amount Per Serving
Calories 197 Calories from Fat 82
Percent Total Calories From:
Fat 41% Protein 5% Carb. 53%
Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 9 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 79 mg
Total Carbohydrate 26 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 4 g
Protein 3 g
Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 1% Calcium 0% Iron 1%
