apricot oat bars

it's been four days since i posted an oat-related baked good recipe, so clearly it is time for another. apricot oat bars. we love these. so easy middle aged kids and tweens can make them unaided (the only tricky part involves proper use of oven mitts). much younger kids can make these with a bit of help.

apricot oat bars

2 sticks butter, melted in the microwave

1 1/2 cups california dried apricots, snipped into quarters with kitchen scissors

3 cups old fashioned rolled oats

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

1 cup oat flour

3/4 cup unbleached all purpose flour or whole wheat flour or a mix

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/2 cup plain yogurt

preheat oven to 350 F. line 9 x 13 pan with parchment paper. melt butter. snip apricots. combine dry ingredients: oats, flours, brown sugar and salt. mix until no lumps are present. add the melted butter, egg, yogurt, vanilla extract and apricots. mix with a large wooden spoon until well blended. ceremoniously heave the goopy dough into the prepared baking pan. smash, press, and otherwise smoosh the dough around to the outer edges, creating a smooth level surface eradicating all empty spaces (little kids are brilliant at this). bake for 45 minutes and/or until the top is a pleasing shade of light golden brown. allow to cool for 5 minutes. then cut into squares (best if this is done while bars are still rather warm). let cool for another 20 minutes before consuming (otherwise they will crumble more than you would like). great for a fast breakfast, or with tea.

rather dreary, freezing and with pouring rain here in the new york corridor this weekend. great for staying in. happy weekend none the less. xo, g.