I know I wrote about rhubarb just a few weeks ago, but since it’s in season I have to give you one more recipe that is simply awesome. This recipe for Rhubarb Hazelnut Oatmeal Bars has been passed around
my hometown of Cooperstown for almost two decades and is still going strong. My Mom and I have
adapted it to have less sugar and more flavor from the addition of hazelnuts.
In the spring I love to make them for picnics, luncheons, or just to have
around the house. I’ve even been known to eat one or two for breakfast with a
dollop of cool yogurt. —
Since the recipe is so straightforward and fun, I
find these squares perfect for Naptime Chef-ing. It takes me about 20 minutes,
plus baking time, to make the tender shortbread crust topped with warm stewed
rhubarb and oatmeal crumble. They have ample time to cool after baking and are
ready to eat by the time my daughter wakes up. Then I split the pan in half and
take some to playgroup, and save the rest for dessert.
Rhubarb Hazelnut Oatmeal Bars
3 1/2 c.
rhubarb, cut into 1″ chunks
2/3 c. sugar
2 T. cornstarch
1/4 c. orange juice
1/4 t. nutmeg
1 t. vanilla
Dry Ingredients:
1 1/2 c. quick oatmeal
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 t. baking soda
2/3 c. dark brown sugar
1/2 c. finally chopped hazelnuts
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
1. Preheat oven to 350. Butter a 9×13 pan, set aside.
2. In a small saucepan over medium heat mix sugar,
cornstarch and orange juice. Stir in vanilla. Add rhubarb and cook until thick,
stirring constantly. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl mix dry ingredients with butter until
fully combined.
4. Pat 3/4 of oatmeal mixture into the bottom of a 9×13
pan. Pour rhubarb mixture over oatmeal and spread evenly.
5. Top rhubarb mixture with remaining 1/4 c. of oatmeal
mixture. Bake for 30 minutes or until oatmeal top begins to brown.
Naptime Notes:
Naptime Recipe Props: These bars are a snap to prepare
during naptime. If you want to make them a little sweeter it is fine to add a
touch more sugar.
Naptime Stopwatch: Preparing the bars takes all of the 20
minutes, then just pop them in the oven to bake and you are all set!
Naptime Reviews: My whole family loves these bars, even my
daughter. It took a while for her to get used to the savory tartness of the
rhubarb, but she has converted to loving it after a few tries.
