ORANGE RHUBARB BARS

Orange Rhubarb Bars image

Provided by Linda Kauppinen @cyrene

Categories Cakes

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cup(s) frozen unsweetened rhubarb (i believe you can substitute with fresh)
1 1/2 cup(s) granulated sugar
1/4 cup(s) water
2 tablespoon(s) cornstarch
1 teaspoon(s) pure vanilla extract
3 to 4 - drops of red food coloring
1 1/2 cup(s) uncooked multigrain hot cereal
1 1/2 cup(s) all purpose flour
1 cup(s) packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon(s) baking soda
1/2 teaspoon(s) grated orange peel
1 cup(s) butter, chilled
1/2 cup(s) chopped pecans

Steps:

Heat oven to 375 degrees Lightly grease 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Set aside
In 3 quart saucepan combine rhubarb, granulated sugar, water, cornstarch and vanilla. Cook over medium-high heat until rhubarb is defrosted and filling is thickened and translucent, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in food coloring. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl, combine cereal, flour, brown sugar, baking soda and peel. Using pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 1/2 cups cereal mixture.
Press remaining cereal mixture evenly into prepared pan to form base. Spread filling evenly over base. Sprinkle reserved cereal mixture and pecans evenly over filling. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely before cutting.