Nutty Oatmeal Jam Bars

Base and Topping

• 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats (certified gluten free if you are GF)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, solid OR 1/2 cup vegan buttery spread stick, cut into cubes
• 1 egg yolk
• 3/4 cup slivered almonds

Chia Jam

• 1 heaping cup berries - one kind or mixed combo 
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp chia seeds

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Grease an 8x8 glass baking dish.
3. Grind 1 cup oats in blender or food processor to make oat flour
4. Add oat flour, 1/2 cup oats, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder to bowl. Stir to combine.
5. Add coconut oil or vegan spread to bowl. Use your fingers to cut the fat into the flour mixture, making a raggedy dough.
6. Add egg yolk, mix until combined.
7. Add almonds, mix until cohesive.
8. Press half the oatmeal mixture into bottom of baking dish, evenly coating it and going slightly up the sides. Make sure to patch any holes. 
9. Bake crust for 15 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly while you make jam, keeping oven on.
10. Add berries and maple syrup to small saucepan and bring to boil on medium heat.
11. Boil 5-10 minutes, just until thick and syrupy. 
12. Remove from heat, add chia seeds, and let sit until thick and set, about 5 minutes. (if it does not set like jam, you may need to heat a bit longer)
13. Once set, spread jam evenly on crust. An offset spatula works great for this.
14. Crumble remaining crust mixture on top, trying to evenly cover jam, but a few small empty spots are ok too.
15. Return to oven and bake another 25 minutes or until lightly browned on top. Cool and cut into bars.