Nature's Bin Recipe: Jam Squares

These are good for breakfast or as an anytime treat and are very quick and easy to make. If you have homemade jam, these are a great way to show it off.

JAM SQUARES

2 cups all-purpose flour, unbleached

2 cups quick-cooking oats (if using regular oats, pulse in food processer to break them up a little)

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

1 1/4 cups butter, at room temperature

1 jar (8 - 12 oz.) fruit preserves or jam (your favorite flavor) Don't use jelly.

Mix the first four ingredients until well-blended, by hand or in a mixer. Grease a 9" x 12" pan and press about 2/3 of the mixture into the pan very firmly. Put the jam in a bowl and stir it to loosen it up. Spread this on top of the crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top and press down lightly.

Bake at 350 F for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool. Cut into 12 squares for breakfast servings or smaller for snacks. These keep for at least a week or longer if refrigerated, but they probably won't be around that long!

If you are a vegan these are easily converted by using a vegan shortening in place of the butter. Be sure to use a firm version or sticks, not the whipped kind in a tub.

Josie Duennes is the food service manager at Nature's Bin, the mother of 2 grown sons and happily married for almost 30 years.