{raspberry oat bars}

mmm...the season is here for us to find creative ways to use all the raspberries that will be available to us. These little treats are my attempt to create something similar to the ones sold at a local coffee-shop...

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bake time: approx. 25mins
oven: 350 degrees

pan: 9"x13"

filling:
[no pictures of this process due to having some filling remaining from the last batch I made]
3 c raspberries (could substitute with different berries if you wish)
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 c sugar
2 Tbsp corn starch

• mix first 2 ingredients in a pot and cook until tender
• whisk sugar and cornstarch together in separate bowl then pour it into the pot
• cook until boiling and thickened

in this particular example, i played around with the flavour by adding a bit of orange zest to the berries...try it, if you want;)

crust/crumble:
1 1/2 c flour (i always use whole wheat flour unless noted otherwise)
1 1/2 c old fashioned oats
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 c unpacked brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 c butter (only the real deal in this house...ever!)

• mix together all the dry ingredients

in this particular example, i chose to throw in a smackerel of coconut...because i can...but you don't have to
this is how i measure a lot of my ingredients when it comes to baking...so i use this much salt and try to convert it to actual measurements for your convenience;)

• add vanilla and butter - mix until crumbly

• set aside 1/2 of the mixture for the crumb top

• press remaining crumble on the bottom of a parchment-lined pan
• spoon berry filling over crust
  

• sprinkle remaining crumble over berries
• bake until golden brown - approximately 25 mins.

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enjoy...