Cherry Crisp Bars

 So good.  Now if you can use store bought canned cherry pie filling for this, but it won't be as good.

CHERRY CRISP BARS 

(makes 12)

Filling Ingredients:

*4 1/2 cups fresh pitted cherries

*1 cup water

*1/3-1/2 cup granulated sagar (depending on how sweet you want it)

*1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

*1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

*2 tablespoons corn starch

*2 tablespoons water

Crust Ingredients:

*3/4 cup cold butter

*1 cup all purpose flour

*1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

*1/4 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon baking soda

*1 cup old fashion oats 

Filling Directions:

~In a medium saucepan, add cherries, sugar, 1 cup water, lemon juice, and cinnamon.

~Cook over medium-hight heat and bring to a boil, stirring often.

~Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes (or until cherries are soft and cooked through).

~In a small bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons water and cornstarch until smooth.

~Stir into cherry mixture until mixture thickens (about 2 minutes).

~Remove from heat and allow to cool (I let it cool for about 30 minutes or so).

Crust Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Grease a 9x9 baking dish or spray with cooking spray.

~In. a medium bowl,  cut butter into flour, brown sugar, salt and baking soda, until it resembles fine meal.

~Add in oats until well mixed.

~Press about 2/3 of mixture into the bottom of prepared pan.

~Spread cherry mixture over bottom crust.

~Sprinkle remaining crust over top of cherry mixture.

~Bake uncovered for 50 minutes.

~Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before cutting.

~Store in refrigerator.