Strawberry, Peanut Butter and Oat Squares

Strawberry, peanut butter and oat come together to make these little squares irresistible.

Serves: 15-20 squares, freezes well.

Prep Time:  15 min (plus 20 min for homemade strawberry spread)

Cooking Time: 25-35 min.

Total: 45-50 min.

Ingredients

1 cup flour
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup margarine or vegan margarine
1/4 cup natural peanut butter (smooth)
2 tbsp. maple syrup
2 tbsp. milk or substitute
3-5 tbsp. water
1 tbsp. sesame seeds
1 1/2 cups berry jam (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry) OR homemade strawberry spread (recipe below)

Directions

1. In a large bowl cream together sugar, peanut butter and margarine
2. In a separate bowl combine flour, oats, baking soda and salt.  Slowly add to creamed mixture.
3. Add maple syrup and milk, and mix together to form a crumble.  If needed, add one tablespoon of water at a time to moisten crumble mixture.  Set aside about 1 cup.
4. Grease a square baking dish and pour in crumble.  Using your hands, press crumble to form an even base.
5. Spread jam or homemade strawberry spread evenly over base.
6. Sprinkle remaining crumble over jam, followed by sesame seeds.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 F for 25-35 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
8. Let cool and cut into squares.

Homemade Strawberry Spread

2 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, washed and cut into pieces

3-4 tbsp. sugar

2 tsp. corn starch

1 1/2 tbsp. water

1. In a small pot, mix together strawberries and sugar.  Cook for 15-20 minutes on medium heat, stirring continuously.  As strawberries cook, mixture should become more watery.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together cornstarch and water.  Make sure cornstarch is fully dissolved.
3. Add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixture to strawberries and stir.  Continue to add cornstarch mixture until spread becomes thicker.
4. Let cool.

Adapted from ohsheglows.com