Posted by: Pat T 07-01-99 1:01 PM
Sweet Cherry Bars
1-1/2 cups (12 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
1-1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups pitted and halved fresh sweet cherries
1/3 cup sliced almonds
Preheat oven to 350. Grease sides and bottom of 13x9x2-inch baking pan; set aside.
Combine butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed 3 to 4 minutes, or until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
Combine flour, baking soda and salt; mix well. Add to butter
mixture; beat 3 to 4 minutes, or until smooth batter forms.
Spread half batter in prepared pan. Scatter cherry halves over batter.
Place spoonfuls of remaining batter on top of cherries; gently spread to cover fruit. Sprinkle almonds on top.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until wooden pick or skewer inserted in middle comes out clean.
Makes 16 bars.