Oatmeal Raspberry Bars

I have been wanting to make these forever!  I love raspberry and oatmeal and the combination of the two is just too much to resist!   I used to make them all the time and have not made these years.  I really like the addition of the almond extract.  It gives it a grown up taste.  But if you would prefer, you could substitute vanilla. So, for a quick dessert tonight I whipped these together.  It was easy and really quite delicious!  So, take 10, and go make them!


OATMEAL RASPBERRY BARS
adapted from Allrecipes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 3/4 cup raspberry jam (orig. calls for seedless, but I like seeds!)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease one 8 inch square pan, and line with greased foil.
2. Combine brown sugar, sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, and rolled oats. Rub in the butter and extract using your hands or a pastry blender to form a crumbly mixture. Press 2 cups of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread the jam to within 1/4 inch of the edge. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top, and lightly press it into the jam.
3. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Allow to cool before cutting into bars. ENJOY!