At least that’s the excuse for making a sweet treat for us yesterday. Yes, yes, I need to lower my cholesterol… with butter, sugar, and of course oatmeal. HA HA! Lets just say both of us have a sweet tooth from hell… but Richie is the WORST! I decided to just make something instead of him bringing home cookies, candybars, getting DQ malts, or killing me with freshly baked donuts. He’s not easy to be around. At least as far as sweets are concerned.

So I made these Oatmeal Cookie Bars and thought I’d share them with you. Just because they’re easy to make, you probably have everything you need, and they’re really delicious.

Ingredients

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup jam of your choice

The recipe calls for you to line a pan with foil and grease but from my experience you should just grease the pan and forgot the foil. It’s easier to get them out of the pan but they stick to the sides really bad after the jam has bubbled and cooked. You could just line the very bottom with foil and that might work better.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease one 8 inch square pan, and line with greased foil.
Combine brown sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, and rolled oats. Rub in the butter using your hands or a pastry blender to form a crumbly mixture. Press 2 cups of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread the jam to within 1/4 inch of the edge. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top, and lightly press it into the jam.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.

I used strawberry jam because it’s really the only thing Richie likes. I think Raspberry would be great but you can use whatever your sweet tooth husband or boyfriend likes. (win some points!)

And wah-lah… delicious treats and of course you are lowering your cholesterol.  At least that’s my story… and I’m sticking to it. (except the butter might get in the way! LOL

We’re working on windows and trim in the bedroom this weekend. I’m hoping a sweet treat will keep Richie going so we can make some headway. Fingers Crossed.

Recipe also available here.