Chocolate Chip Cherry Bars

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract, optional
1 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt, optional
1 cup dark chocolate chips (or milk if preferred)
1 cup cherries, pitted and halved or whole

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat oven to 350 F. Line an 8" x 8" pan with aluminum foil. Spray with cooking spray and set aside.
• Melt butter and add the brown sugar. Stir to combine.
• Add the egg, extracts, and stir to combine. Mix in flour and salt, taking care not to over mix.
• Fold in cherries and chocolate chips, and pour batter into the prepared pan. You may need a spatula to level it out a bit.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The bars are ready when the edges begin to pull away from sides of the pan, and the center is set.
• Cool for at least one hour before cutting and serving.