Oatmeal is definitely one of my favorite foods.  I never get tired of it.  Sometimes people think it’s strange that I am so enthusiastic about a whole grain, but I love it.  I love it by itself, with toppings, instant versions, in cookies, and definitely in dessert or granola bars.  I load my oatmeal bars with whole wheat flour, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and walnuts.  While I wouldn’t necessarily classify them as “healthy” I like to think they are a lesser evil than most other cookies and brownies.  In my house, they are our own version of “power bars.”

Oatmeal Power Bars

(adapted from this recipe from Epicurious)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 1/4 sticks unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup AP flour
• 2 Tbs whole milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup dried cranberries

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 9 inch square pan (I often double the batch and use a 9×13 brownie pan or cookie sheet).

2.  Toast the oats in the oven until they are lightly golden.  Allow to cool before adding to batter.

3. Cream together butter and sugar.  Beat in eggs, milk, and vanilla.

4. in a separate bowl combine flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.

5.  Add dry to wet.  Then add oats, nuts, and dried cranberries.

6.  Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Allow to cool before cutting.

PS- I got new shoes, and they’re bad ass.

PSS- Go Bison!  Get that Patriot League title!