Cheery Cherry Bars
Cherries are a great source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. I’ve added protein powder to the traditional “streusel-type” topping to balance out the relatively high carbohydrate content of this special breakfast or anytime treat. I’ve also substituted ghee (clarified butter) instead of regular butter because I love it’s sweet flavor. Oats provide a great source of soluble fiber and complex carbohydrate sure to help sustain energy. Oats also contain the key nutrients thiamin, magnesium, selenium, and iron.
Serves 16
Ingredients:
1/2 cup ghee
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
4 tablespoons vanilla protein powder (whey or soy protein works best)
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 cups oats, rolled (raw)
2 teaspoons baking soda
4 cups cherries (sweet or Bing), pitted
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Directions:
In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat ghee and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Combine flour, protein powder, oats and baking soda. Add flour mixture to ghee and brown sugar mixture; mix on low speed until crumbly. Spread two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 13 × 9 × 2-inch baking pan (or use a pie dish). Press down to make a firm layer.
In an electric blender or food processor container, purée cherries and lemon juice. Pour puréed cherry mixture into a medium saucepan. Combine granulated sugar and arrowroot powder; stir into cherry mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, over low heat until mixture is thick and bubbly. Stir in almond extract. Pour cherry mixture over oat layer and spread evenly. Top with remaining oat mixture. Bake in a preheated 325º oven 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool before cutting.
June 19, 2009
by Optimum WellnessComments
2 Responses to “ Cheery Cherry Bars ”
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I’m looking forward to trying the recipe. You have included a picture of sweet/Bing Cherries in the Recipe. For your information, there are sour cherries and sweet or Bing cherries, also called black cherries in some parts of the country. Your written recipe should include the type of cherry to be used, to avoid confusion. A print option would also be nice.
Dear Mary,
Thank you for the information on cherries. You are right, we should be more specific. We will look into the print option. Best to you! Debra