Blueberry Oat Bars

Sometimes when I'm feeling like spoiling myself, I stop by Starbucks for a little pick-me-up. Lately, I've been feeling the Caramel Lattes. If I'm feeling really brave, I'll check out the goodies behind the glass. My favorite? Blueberry Oat Bars. The last time I devoured one of these, I vowed to myself I would make some. This isn't the exact recipe from Starbucks but man do they taste just as delicious!
Now, despite my love for baking, sometimes I get in those moods where I just don't wanna do anything. This was one of those times. I was sitting on the couch watchin' TV, trying to will my lazy butt to get up. I had fresh blueberries in my fridge and I was pretty sure I wouldn't have time during the week to whip these up. After taking a hot bath and relaxing my muscles (which were sore from whooping my own ass at the gym)  I found a new energy and was able to make these delicious things for class tomorrow.

Blueberry Oat Bars
Ingredients:

 1 3/4 c. Quick Oats
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/2  c. chopped nuts (optional - I used pecans)
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 c. butter, melted
2 c. blueberries
1/2 c. granulated sugar
3 tbs. water
2 tbs. cornstarch
2 tsp. lemon juice

Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, nuts, baking soda and salt in large bowl.

Mix in melted butter. Mixture should be crumbly.






Use 1/2 of the mixture and press into 11x7 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. (I should have used more... After looking at the original again, I think using 1/2 of the mixture is better than the 1/3 I used.)

Meanwhile, back at the farm... combine blueberries, granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of water in a medium sized saucepan. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil and simmer 2 minutes. Combine 1 tablespoon water, cornstarch and lemon juice in a bowl and mix well. Gradually add to blueberry mixture and continue simmering until thickened.

Spread blueberry mixture out onto crust. 

(I took 2 angles 'cause I love glass dishes where you can see multiple layers of yummy goodness!)

Sprinkle remainder of crust onto the top of the blueberries. Press gently into blueberries. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 22 minutes or until crust is golden brown.




Before you cut into these, I suggest you wait for them to cool completely. I got a little eager (as I tend to do with sweet delicious goodness) and they fell apart. They are still crunchy and sweet though. I actually seem to have similar issues when it comes to cutting brownies or lemon bars or any kinds of bars really. One other thing I would probably try if I made these again is to make them in a bigger pan. In addition, I think, if blueberries aren't in season, you can use fresh blueberries or maybe even canned pie filling. One other alteration you may want to try is using a different type of fruit. (Maybe strawberries?)  Regardless, I'm gonna have to do my best to not devour these all at once. I don't wanna completely waste my workout from today!