Chocolate-Drizzled Cherry Bars

2 c all-purpose flour

2 cup quick cooking oats

1 ½ cups sugar

1 ¼ cups butter, softened

1 can cherry pie filling*

1 tsp almond extract

¼ cup milk chocolate chips

¾ teaspoon shortening

Combine flour, oats, sugar and butter until crumbly. Set aside 1 ½ cups for topping . Press remaining crumb mixture into an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Bake at 350* for 15-18 minutes or until edges begin to brown.

In a bowl, combine pie filling and extract; carefully spread over crust. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.

Bake 20-25 minutes longer or until edges and topping are lightly browned. In a microwave or heavy saucepan, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle lightly over warm bars. Cool completely on wire rack.

* Any pie filling may be used as desired!!!