Ever have one of those “my kids won’t eat the FOOD I make…they just want to snack. All. Day. Long. days?” It’s ok…you’re definitely not alone. It’s the story of my life. I can count on two fingers the meals I make that The Nugget will actually eat. It’s quite disheartening at times. I have to remind myself that if he’s truly hungry, he will eventually eat. In the meantime, I will fill his belly with as many healthy and delicious “snacks” as I can. Since I know I am not alone in this, I am pretty excited to share this recipe with you all!
It’s one that our entire family has LOVED for a while, and I’ve just tweaked it to fit into our real food life. With the tweaks, you can’t tell a difference in taste (I made these long before making the “real food” switch).
Whole Grain fruit-filled bars. Now, I know what you’re thinking…it’s way easier to just grab a box of the “natural”, “No High Fructose Corn Syrup” “fruit” bars at the grocery store. And you’re right. That is easier. But this….this is WAY healthier and they taste AMAZING.
Plus, this is one “treat” that my entire family begs me to make. As we speak, the Nugget is sitting in his chair, enjoying one (or two) of these bad boys.
What you’ll need:
- food processor (seriously, these things are amazing. If you don’t have one, get one!)
- 1.5 cups whole wheat flour (we like to use King Arthur brand White Whole Wheat)
- 1.5 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup organic brown sugar (or maple syrup)
- 1/4 cup raw local honey (if you don’t want to use the cane sugar, you can sub it for equal parts honey)
- 3/4 cup butter (real butter…not margarine. That stuff is so bad for you)
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 3/4 cup fruit preserves (buy a good brand, or make your own EASY 3 Ingredient recipe HERE)
Recipe:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Step 2: In the bowl of the food processor, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar. Pulse for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Add the butter, cold water, and honey, and pulse again until the dough holds together when pressed.
Step 4: Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cold-pressed unrefined coconut oil. Line it with parchment paper, and grease the parchment paper with the coconut oil.
Step 5: Divide the dough mixture in half and press half into the prepared baking dish. I like to use my hands, to make sure I get it firmly and evenly pressed.
Step 6: Spread the preserves carefully and evenly over the dough.
Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining dough on top of the preserves and gently press down (you can use your hands or the back of a spatula).
Step 8: Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 9: Cool. Cut into 1.5×4 inch bars. Serve and enjoy!
**bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week
