Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

Kim mentioned yesterday on our "giggle chat" that we've all taken a significant break on this blog, so we've probably all accumulated some more good recipes to share. I agree, and I couldn't help but post this one very first because we just ate them and they are too stinkin good not to share!! I am first of all not making any claims to these being healthy. But they are easy and DELICIOUS. It says to let cool completely before serving, but we can't help but cut into them while they're still warm and soft, preferably with a cold glass of milk. Sort of like a warm apple crisp or something. While I'm sure it would work well for a dessert, we like it for a snack :). Then we can enjoy it again later when they are completely cooled, and firmed up more. Basically I'll eat them in any way I can. I got the recipe from my favorite Pioneer Woman, on her food network episode I looked up online. It makes your house smell so good too! Who doesn't love the combo of oatmeal, butter and brown sugar? :)

Ingredients:
1 3/4 sticks salted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for greasing pan
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
One 10-12 ounce jar strawberry preserves

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9 x 13 inch rectangular pan.

Mix together the butter, flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. I just have the butter a little bit soft and use my pastry blender to cut it into the mixture. Press half the oat mixture into the prepared pan. I usually end up doing a little more than half, maybe closer to 2/3. I think it's more important to have a solid layer on the bottom. Spread the strawberry preserves (or any kind of preserves/jam you like) on top of that. Sprinkle the other half of the oat mixture over the top and pat lightly. Bake until light brown, 30-40 minutes.

 For the "preserves" this is what I always use, just because it's what we buy and have on hand. You can substitute a variety of flavors and kinds, I'm sure it would all work great.