Honey Blueberry Oatmeal Bars

Make your own delicious oatmeal bars with fresh blueberries and honey! These bite size squares make the perfect mid-morning snack to keep you full and focused to finish your day strong!

YIELD: Makes 16 squares

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. New Zealand Sea Salt
• 3/4 cup (6 oz. or 12 T) unsalted butter,  softened
• 1/2 cup Manuka Honey Blend 5+
• 2 T brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

For the jam:

1. Place a small plate in the freezer for testing the jam.
2. In a large deep skillet, add blueberries, Manuka honey, and lemon juice. Heat and stir until it reaches a rolling boil. Boil and stir until it thickens, 10 minutes.
3. Add a small spoonful of the jam onto the plate in the freezer and let sit for 30 seconds. Tilt it. If it slides too fast, cook another 1-2 minutes and check again. If it moves slow, it is done. Test every 1-2 minutes and do not overcook. Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature.

For the bars:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 square pan with parchment or grease with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and New Zealand sea salt.
3. In another large bowl, beat together the butter, honey, and brown sugar until creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla until incorporated, about 1 minute (it may look curdled). Gradually beat in the flour mixture.
4. Evenly spread no more than half of the dough into the bottom of the pan. Top with cooled blueberry jam. Top with the remaining dough.
5. Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely before cutting into squares.

Based on a recipe form: National Honey Board