I saw this recipe in an Eat Better America email and had to stop myself from running downstairs and whipping it up right then. {It was about 11:30pm. Not a good time to bake, in my opinion.} A few days later I was reading it over thinking, this would be so much better if I... {insert one of the changes I made here.} I can never seem to just follow a recipe. In this case though it worked out really, really well because these turned out incredible!!
You know those Jam Thumbprint cookies that are so good but you never make because they take f.o.r.e.v.e.r?! These are better. Much better. That and they take less than 10 minutes of prep to get into the oven. Easy! I also love that they're healthified! I used that as justification to eat them for breakfast. They're also a great afternoon snack. Yum!
Berry Oatmeal Bars
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup Old Fashioned oatmeal
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter or shortening, softened
1 egg
3/4 cup strawberry, raspberry or any type jam {not freezer jam!}
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Heat oven to 350°F. Line 8-inch square pan with foil. In large bowl, mix flours, oatmeal, sugar, butter and egg with electric mixer on low speed until crumbly.
Reserve 1/2 cup crumb mixture for topping. Press remaining crumb mixture firmly in bottom of pan. Spread fruit spread to within 1/2 inch of edges. {We like jam so I used 1 cup.} Sprinkle reserved 1/2 cup crumb mixture over top; sprinkle with walnuts.
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| This is why you line the pan with foil. I also sprayed it with a little cooking spray. No stick-age! |
Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely, about 1 hour. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows.
Enjoy!
