Cherry Nut Crisp

Directions

1. Drain cherries, reserving 3/4 cup juice. In a large bowl, combine the cherries, sugar, tapioca, extract, salt, food coloring if desired and reserved juice; set aside for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. In a small bowl, combine the crust ingredients. Press onto the bottom and 1 in. up the sides of a greased 9-in. square baking dish; set aside.
3. For topping, in another small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, pecans and oats Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir cherry mixture the; pour into crust. Sprinkle with topping.
4. Bake at 400° for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 375°; bake 30-35 minutes longer or filling is bubbly and topping is golden brown.