Bake Along – Chewy Jam-Almond Bars

I know, I know… it’s been a while.  All should be back on schedule again very soon.  One Bake Along recipe a week. I hope. I’ve decided not to do all 100 recipes. I’m going to do 25 and then move on to a different book.  After repeatedly going through the magazine I’ve found that I’m not wildly inspired by it.  And life isn’t fun unless you’re wildly inspired.

This original recipe calls for cherry preserves but I really don’t see why you can’t use your favorite flavor.  I went with raspberry this time as I’m pretty obsessed wtih raspberry lately. These weren’t super popular at home but only because my family doesn’t care for any type of jam or jelly very much.  Loved the chewyness of them.  I’d make them again trying a new flavor. 

Chewy Jam-Almond Bars {via Better Homes and Gardens 100 Best Cookies}

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 egg
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups regular rolled oats
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 12 ounce jar (1 cup) preserves, I used raspberry

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with foil, extending foil over edges.  Grease foil, set pan aside.

2.  In a large bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.  Add brown sugar and baking powder.  Beat until combined, scraping side of bowl occasionally.  Beat in egg and almond extract until combined.  Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer.  Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour, the oats, and almonds.

3.  Remove 1/2 cup of the dough and set aside.  Press the remaining dough evenly into bottom of the prepared baking pan.  Spread with preserves.  Crumble the reserved dough evenly over preserves layer.

4.  Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes or until lightly browned.  Cool in pan on a wire rack.  Using edges of foil, lift cookies out of pan.  Cut into bars.  Makes 36 bars.

Linking to: Made by You, Just Something I Whipped Up, Get Your Craft On, Blue Cricket Design, Sew Much Ado, Somewhat Simple, Tatertots&Jello.