Cherry Chews

Ingredients

For Crust:

1. 1 cup all purpose flour
2. 1 cup rolled oats
3. 1 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
4. 1 teaspoon baking soda
5. 1/4 teaspoon salt
6. 1/2 cup butter

For Filling:

1. 2 eggs
2. 1 cup brown sugar
3. 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
4. 2 tablespoons flour
5. 1 teaspoon baking powder
6. 1/2 teaspoon salt
7. 1 cup coconut
8. 1 cup well drained maraschino cherries, quartered (reserve juice)
9. 1/2 cup chopped pecans

For Frosting:

1. 1 1 /2 tablespoons soft butter
2. 1 cup confectioners sugar
3. 4 to 5 tablespoons cherry juice
4. 1/8 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

For Crust:

1. Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Press into greased 9 by 13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

For Filling:

1. In a large bowl beat eggs, stir in brown sugar and almond extract.
2. Mix flour, baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt and stir into egg mixture.
3. Add coconut and cherries, stir until combined.
4. Spread mixture over prepared crust using an off set spatula.
5. Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, until lightly brown.
7. Remove from oven and allow to cool while preparing frosting.

For Frosting:
Combine all ingredients and stir until smooth and well blending, adding addition cherry juice for desired consistency.