Bluberry Walnut Bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes 

Cooking Time: 20 minutes 

Equipment:

• Baking dish
• Baking sheet
• Measuring spoons/cups
• Food processor/blender
• Spoon 

Servings: 9

Serving Size: 2 bars

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup walnuts, raw
• 1 cup medjool dates, pitted
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 5 tbsp butter or margarine, melted
• 2 tbsp honey
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1-2 tbsp water, as needed
• 3 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen and thawed

Instructions:

1. Start by preheating the oven to 325F. Grease a 9x9 oven safe dish with margarine or butter and set to the side
2. Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and roast in oven for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Once roasted increase oven temperature to 350 F
3. In a food processor start by blending dates with 1 tbsp of water.
4. Once blended add  honey, roasted walnuts, 2 cups of oats, melted butter or margarine, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla. Process until combined and crumbly. 
5. Add 1 more tbsp of water and process until the mixture sticks and is well pressed. After adding the remaining 1 cup of oats and process until combined. You want the mixture to stick well together when pressed 
6. Press oat mixture to the greased dish leaving 1 cup for topping. Spread your blueberries evenly on the bottom layer and then add remaining oat mixture
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes uncovered at 350F. Let cool for a few minutes before cutting to help bar stick together