Strawberry Oatmeal Squares

• 2 ½ cups rolled oats
• 1 ¼ cups flour (we use oat flour but anything will work)
• 1 cup packed maple syrup, agave or honey
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 1 cup cold butter, earth balance (cubed) or oil

Filling:

• 2 cups fresh blueberries, finely chopped
• ½ cup maple syrup, agave or honey
• ¼ cup water
• 4 tsp. cornstarch

Filling: In saucepan, bring strawberries, sweetener and water to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes.  Whisk cornstarch with 2 tbsp. water; whisk into berries and boil, stirring until thickened, about 1 minute.  Refrigerate until cooled, about 1 hour.

In large bowl mix together oats, flour, sweetener, cinnamon and salt.  With pastry blender, cut in butter until in coarse crumbs.  Press half into 8 inch square parchment paper lined metal cake pan; spread berry filling.  Sprinkle with remaining oat mixture and press lightly.

Bake in Centre of 350o oven until light golden, about 45 minutes.  Let cool on rack before cutting into squares.