Apple Cinnamon Oat Squares

(recipe from Whole Foods Market)

2 cups unsweetened almondmilk

1 1/2 cups steel cut oats

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup ground flax seeds

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

2 (about 1 pound) Pink Lady apples, cored and grated

Preheat oven to 350F.  Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.  Transfer to a parchment paper-lined 9-inch square baking pan, press down and smooth out the top and bake until firm and golden brown, about 1 hour.  Let cool in pan; cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

(These were tasty, but a little too moist for my liking in my quest for perfect homemade granola bars.)

Rise and Shine Oatmeal

(recipe from Cooking Light magazine)

4 servings.

2 cups water
2 cups oats
1/2 cup golden raisins
2 Tbsp. honey
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
6 Tbsp. sliced almonds, toasted
maple syrup, for serving

Bring water to a boil over medium heat.  Stir in oats; cook 5 minutes.  Remove from heat; stir in remaining ingredients.  Serve with maple syrup.