Raspberry Oat Bars

Raspberry Oat Bars

• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 pint raspberries
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup cold butter, cubed

In a small saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Gradually stir in raspberries until blended. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in extract. Cool.

In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, wheat flour, salt and vanilla. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press 2-1/2 cups crumb mixture into a 9-in. square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Spread with cooled berry mixture. Sprinkle with remaining crumbs.  Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Yield: 2 dozen.

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