Honey Spice Squares

Another mostly healthy spice bar made with oatmeal.  We really enjoyed the flavor.  But, it is noticeably lean. (the texture of a crumbly, yet moist granola bar)  A bit more fat would add flavor.  If I were eating this as an indulgent treat, I’d add another 2-3 tablespoons of butter.

Honey Spice Bars
makes 20 squares

2 cups steel cut oats, freshly ground
1/2 cup AP flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 TBSP corn starch
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp nutmeg
3 strips candied grapefruit peel, ground
2 large eggs
1/3 cup tupelo honey
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350.

( I grind the steel cut oats and candied grapefruit peel together.)

Combine dry ingredients and stir vigorously with a fork.  Add remaining ingredients and stir briefly to combine.  Pour batter into a buttered 8×8 inch square baking dish.  Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.

Let cool and dust with powdered sugar.  Or, drizzle with the brandy glaze below.

Brandy Glaze

1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
2-3 TBSP brandy
2-3 TBSP butter, melted

Combine sugar, brandy and melted butter.  (Start by adding 2 TBSP of brandy and butter.  Add more, if needed to create a smooth glaze to drizzle over baked squares.)  Drizzle glaze over squares in a zig zag fashion.