Chewy Cherry-Almond Bars

1 c. butter, softened
2 c. packed brown sugar
2 t. baking powder
1 egg
1 t. almond extract
2 c. all purpose flour
2 c. regular rolled oats
1/2 c. sliced almonds
1 12 oz. jar cherry preserves (Solo Brand does nicely)

1. Preheat oven to 350. Line a 13 x 9 x 2 baking pan with foil or parchment paper, extending foil over edges. Grease foil; set pan aside.
2. In a large bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high spead for 30seconds. Add brown sugar and baking powder. Beat until combined, scraping side of bowl occasionally. 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 24bars.