Recipe: Sunflower Cherry Oatmeal Bars

Credit: Whole Foods

These golden brown sunflower cherry oatmeal bars make a scrumptious snack

Who would have thought cherries and sunflowers would make such a delectable combination?

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats, either quick cooking or old fashioned
• 1 cup whole spelt or whole wheat flour
• ½ cup packed natural brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds
• ¼ cup dried cherries
• ½ cup expeller pressed canola oil
• 5 tablespoons orange juice, divided
• ½ cup fruit sweetened black cherry preserves

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Combine oats, flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, sunflower seeds and cherries in a large bowl.
3. Add oil and 3 tablespoons of orange juice, mixing well until all ingredients are fully combined. Reserve a half cup and press the rest into a lightly oiled 8-by-8-inch baking pan.
4. Mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of orange juice with the cherry preserves and spread evenly over the oat mixture in the pan.
5. Sprinkle reserved oat mixture over the top and press down lightly with fingers.
6. Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
7. Cool in the pan on a wire rack then cut into bars or squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Makes 16 bars.

Recipe courtesy of Whole Foods Market, Canada’s leading natural and organic retailer. B.C.’s Whole Foods Markets are committed to their communities, sourcing locally grown products whenever possible and raising money for local charities through a variety of in-store events and programs. Visit wholefoodsmarket.com for the latest featured products, recipes and events in your area.