Cross between a cookie and a granola bar

Week 3 in cooking class we made a sweet treat, Fruity Oat Bars with apricots.  The reviews were mixed from the kids, but it was decided that possibly changing the fruit choice could be good for some.  Votes were in for strawberry, raspberry, blueberry... okay most berries were thought to be good idea by most kids  Some kids thought maybe trying their favorite jelly or jam flavors would be good.  I agreed and let them know that is what is so fun about cooking and baking, you can switch things out if flavors aren't working for you.  We like to say here in the kitchen at HSC,

"I'm not a fan of _______."  You can fill in the blank for whatever may be in a recipe that isn't something you like to eat.  I've also tried to teach the kids how flavors change as they are mixed or cooked a certain way.  For example,  onions,  raw they can be spicy.  When onions are cooked they have a more mild flavor.  And if you really saute onions well and "caramelize" them, they will taste much sweeter.   Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavors while trying out this fun recipe.

Fruity Oat Bars

1 cup ready-to-eat dried apricots

2 Tablespoons water

2 1/3 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup oats

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 3/4 sticks unsalted butter

3/4 cup turbinado sugar

2 Tablespoons light corn syrup

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Grease a 7 inch square cake pan and then line the bottom with parchment paper.  Put the apricots and water into a blender or food processor.  Process the apricots until they are a puree (like jelly).  Set the apricot puree aside to be used later.  Put the flour, oats and salt in a mixing bowl and stir with a fork until combined.

Melt the butter, sugar, and syrup in a saucepan over low heat.  Stir the mixture occasionally until the butter has completely melted.  Pour the butter mixture into the mixing bowl containing the flour, oats, and salt.  Stir until everything is combined in a sticky, oaty mixture. 

Press half the mixture into the bottom of the cake pan and smooth it to make an even layer.  Carefully spread the apricot puree over the oaty layer.  Press the rest of the mixture over the apricot puree until it is covered. 

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the oats are golden on the top.  Remove from the oven and leave to cool for 5 minutes.  Divide the bars into squares and leave them to cool completely in the pan before scooping them out to serve.