- 15
Ingredients
- 3 c old-fashioned oats
- 2 c slivered almonds
- 1/4 c wheat germ (or flax seed)
- 1 t orange peel
- 1 c brown rice syrup
- 1/4 c honey
- 1 t vanilla
- 1 t salt
- 2 c chopped strawberries, excess liquid drained*
- additional add-in ideas: 2 T seeds (sesame, sunflower…); shaved dark chocolate
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350F.
On a baking sheet, combine the oats, nuts and wheat germ. Transfer to oven, and bake 7 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking time. Transfer to a bow, and stir in orange peel. Reduce heat to 300F.
In a small saucepan, combine brown rice syrup, honey, vanilla and salt, over low heat. Cook 5-7 minutes, until hot and liquid. Pour over oat mixture, and stir until well combined. Gently stir in strawberries.
Spoon mixture into a 9”x13” non-stick (or parchment-lined) baking pan. Spread evenly, and press firmly into the pan. Transfer to oven, and bake for 40-45 minutes, until lightly browned. Allow pan to completely cool, and cut into squares. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze individual squares.
* I used fresh strawberries, which results in a square which is a bit crumbly. Dried fruit works great if you are looking for a crunchier bar. Just allow less cooking time if you substitute dried fruit.