Chewy Nutty Oatmeal Bars

Photo: McCormick

For breakfast and snacks I decided to make a pan of oatmeal bars. Tasty and healthy; yet containing common ingredients (not special health food store ingredients). Because frankly, I don't want a job (like shopping) before starting a job (like baking). The basic recipe below happens to be glutton-free. (Further down, I have words to say about that.) Delicious!

Here is my recipe:

Chewy Nutty Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter (I substituted coconut oil, but either works. I had to polish off a bit of coconut oil.) 
1 cup brown sugar
3 extra large eggs
6 cups Old Fashioned (5 minutes) Oatmeal (plus extra for the top)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
 A sprinkle of nutmeg
1 cup walnuts
1 cup raisins (or a mix of dried fruit)
drops of buttermilk (any milk works) for moisture - about 1/3 cup
whole almonds to press on top

Directions: 

1) Using a fork, whisk the butter, brown sugar and eggs until creamy.

2) Mix in the baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and oatmeal. 

3) Fold in the nuts and dried fruit.

4) Next add the buttermilk, several drops at a time to moisten the mixture. Avoid a runny texture. 

5) With a spatula press the dough into a 9'' by 9'' oiled baking pan. Be sure to even the dough out. Then press the almonds into the top of the oatmeal dough. Sprinkle a little dry oatmeal on top for looks.

6) Pop into a preheated 350 degree F over. Bake for 20 - 30 minutes. Remove when done (the top gets slightly brown).

7) Scrape the sides of the pan with a knife to loosen, then let cool before cutting into bars. Enjoy!

Extra tips:

1) The basic recipe is super healthy and mildly sweet. If not sweet enough, you can always drizzle a frosting on top. Brown sugar, honey, and white sugar are the same health-wise. Despite the claims, one is not healthier than another. Use all in moderation. I use brown sugar in these bars for the taste alone.

2) If you want more cake-like-bars, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour (a glutton) and another 1/2 cup of sugar to your batter. (Know that the basic recipe is delicious as is.) And know, there is no health reason to go glutton-free if you can digest glutton.

3) To turn a breakfast bar into a dessert bar, feel free to jazz the recipe up by adding: a cup of peanut butter; a cup of caramel squares; a cup of chocolate chips; a cup of coconut; or a mix of any of the mentioned to your batter.

4) Yes, you can leave out raisins if you dislike them. I like adding raisins for sweetness, texture and they keep baked goods fresh longer.

Oatmeal breakfast bars have all the goodness of a hot bowl of oatmeal ... and are easy to pair with a cup of coffee, or glass of milk. I make a batch, eat some immediately and the rest gets tossed into the freezer. Later, remove the squares from the freezer and microwave for 30 seconds, or so to eat.

Get your pastry fix the healthy way!

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