Let's Talk Food!

Healthy Oatmeal Bars

These are great for breakfast on the run!

Preheat oven to 350. Spray an 11x7 baking pan with Pam. (Use a larger pan if you want thinner bars, you may have to adjust baking time)

In a large bowl, mix:

2 cups whole wheat flour (I used whole wheat graham flour...yummy)
1/2 cup ground flax seed
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves

Set aside.

In another bowl, mix:

1/2 cup (one stick) softened butter
1/2 cup sugar

Add in:

2 eggs
1/2 cup honey
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Mix well. Slowly add in dry mixture and mix together.

Stir in:

3 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup dried cranberries (experiment with any dried fruit you like)
1/2 cup chopped dates
1 1/2 cup flaked coconut
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Peel and chop 1 small apple and soften in 1/2 cup hot water (I microwaved the apple for 2 1/2 minutes), then mash with a fork. Stir in to oatmeal mix.

Turn into baking pan and level, pressing firmly. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, until edges are brown.
Cool slightly, then cut into bars. Remove from pan when completely cool. Refrigerate if there are any leftovers!