Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

 

This is my 4 year old daughter’s favorite recipe. She took the recipe to school. She brought them to Sunday School. She brought them to the neighbors.  When she found out I was making them last night, she started screaming, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

4 c quick oats (or old fashioned rolled oats)
1 c packed brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1-1/2 c dried figs
1 c shredded coconut
3/4 c chia seeds
3/4 c coconut oil, melted
3/4 c orange marmalade

Combine ingredients and press into a 15x10x1 pan. Bake at 425 F for 15-17 minutes.  Should be golden brown.  Cool for about 5 minutes and then cut into bars.  Remove from pan when completely cooled.  I store these in a container.  These are easily made gluten free as well, depending on your stance on oats.

Variations:

Instead of the figs, try walnuts, almonds, raisins, chocolate chips, or mini M&M’s.

Instead of orange marmalade, try raw honey or any other favorite jam.

Instead of chia seeds, try toasted ground flax seed.

Here is her standard reaction to these treats:

Although, I have to admit, this one was taken on Husker game day last weekend.  But, this just shows you how excited she gets! 

Actually, both the kids love these and they can be packed with as many nutrients as you’d like.  I don’t feel bad if this is the only thing we have time for breakfast and they can wash it down with a quick glass of milk before dashing out to the bus stop. I like these for a filling, but not heavy breakfast or for a snack when I want some crunchy, chewy and a little sweet.

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