Blackberry Breakfast Bars

Personally, I’m not a fan of really sweet foods, but this isn’t too sweet and it’s a healthy way to start the day. The recipe is from the cook book, “Color Me Vegan,” by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau.  The recipes in this book are categorized according to the color of the fruit or vegetable, which makes it really fun to plan a meal. The book was a gift to me and I’ve enjoyed so many of the recipes, but I’ve never posted one. So when I decided to pick one for the blog, I looked back on my postings and realized I have very few sweet offerings.  So here it is…   

Blackberry Breakfast Bars

Yield: 12 to 16 bars, depending on the size

2 C blackberries or raspberries (or a combination of each type)

2 T granulated sugar

2 T water

1 T fresh lemon juice

3/4 t ground cinnamon, divided

1 C all-purpose or whole wheat pastry flour

1 C quick-cooking oats

2/3 C firmly packed light or dark brown sugar

1/4 C ground flaxseed

1/8 t baking soda

1/2 C nondairy butter, melted

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350*F. In a medium saucepan, combine the blackberries, sugar, water, lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and remove the cover. Simmer, uncovered, for about 8 minutes, stirring frequently. The mixture may begin to thicken up a bit by this point. (It usually takes longer than 8 minutes for me) Remove from the heat and set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, ground flaxseed, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and the baking soda. Stir in the melted butter, and mix until thoroughly combined. 

Press half of the flour-oat mixture into an ungreased 8X8 inch pan. Set aside the other half to use as a topping. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven. Spread the berry mixture on top of the baked crust. Sprinkle with the reserved oat mixture and lightly press it into the berry filling. Return to the oven for 20 minutes longer or until the topping turns a golden brown.

Cool in the pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Color Me Vegan: Maximize Your Nutrient Intake and Optimize Your Health by Eating Antioxidant-Rich, Fiber-Packed, Color-Intense Meals That Taste Great