Berry Streusel Bars~

This recipe created quite a buzz on one of my foodie web sites; so when I started planning my book club meeting, I knew these would be included.  You can vary the berries and jam, but the original recipe called for all blueberries.  These were a hit…and a few went home wrapped in napkins!


Berry Streusel Bars…adapted from Bon Appetit


1 1/2 cups old fashioned or quick oats
1 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) butter, melted
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (I used 1 cup blueberries and 1/2 cup red raspberries)
1/2 cup raspberry, cherry, strawberry preserves (I used black raspberry jam)
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon lemon juice


Preheat oven to 350º.


Combine oats, flour, sugar and melted butter.  Mix till crumbly.  Reserve one cup of mixture for topping.  Press remaining mixture into bottom of ungreased 9 inch square baking pan.  Bake for 15 minutes or till golden brown.  Cool slightly.


In medium bowl, combine preserves, berries, lemon zest, juice and flour.  Mix gently and spread over crust.  Sprinkle reserved oat mixture over top, patting down lightly.  Bake 22-25 minutes or till light golden brown.


Cool, then cut into bars.


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