“Fleeting Summer” Rhubarb Berry Bars

FILLING:
3 Stalks of rhubarb, chopped
2ish cups of strawberries
2ish cups of mixed berries of your choice

Put all fruit into a large pot and add 1/4 cup water.  Cook down until fruits soft and saucy.   Add 1/2 cup to 1 cup or sugar (dependent on taste).  Mix should be sweet but still tart. Add vanilla extract, almond extract, and cinnamon to taste. Either cook slow and low until it reduces down into a thick sauce, or mix cornstarch with some water and add it to thicken the fruit mixture.  Allow to cool–best flavors if you let it sit in the fridge for a day or two before you use it.

CRUMBLE:

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups flour
2 cups instant oats
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda

Mix all in a bowl until the flour is no longer dry and the mixture resembles a loose crumble.  If the butter is not spreading through the mixture, pop it in the microwave for 15 second intervals stirring till everything looks consistent.

ASSEMBLE:

Spray glass baking pan with coconut oil (or whatever), Put halfish of the crumble mixture in the bottom of the pan and press down making an even crust.

Put a hearty layer of the thick mixture evenly on top and sprinkle the remaining crumble on top of the fruit mixture.  Bake at 350, around 40 minutes–or until top crumble begins to golden.

(Optional)
In a separate bowl mix powdered sugar and a LITTLE bit of milk.   Stir till combined and you have a runny icing.  Drizzle on top.