Cherry-filled oatmeal bars

Water	½ cup
Sugar, granulated	2 tablespoons
Cornstarch	2 teaspoons
Cherries, dried, chopped	1 cup
Flour, all purpose	1 cup
Oats, quick cooking	1 cup
Sugar, brown	2/3 cup packed
Baking soda	¼ teaspoon
Butter, unsalted; cold	½ cup

1. Preheat to 350°F. 
2. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the water, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. 
3. Add the cherries. 
4. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly, and then continue to cook for another 2 minutes; set aside to cool. 
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and baking soda. 
6. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 
7. Reserve ½ cup of the flour mixture. 
8. Press remaining flour mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9x9x2-inch baking pan. 
9. Spread with the cherry filling. 
10. Sprinkle with the reserved flour mixture. 
11. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden. 
12. Cool in the pan on a wire rack. 
13. Cut into bars.