Berry Oatmeal Bars

2 c old-fashioned oats
1 1/4 c flour
1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 c butter or margarine
1 c blueberry or raspberry preserves
1/2 - 1 c fresh or frozen berries *optional
1/2 c spinach puree *

Pre-heat oven to 375. In a large bowl or mixer cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add vanilla. Combine the oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, powder, and salt; stir into the butter mixture until just combined. Lightly press about 2/3rds of the mixture into a sprayed 9x9 pan. (Can also use a 9x13 pan for thinner bars, adjust baking time accordingly).
Bake for 8-10 minutes until set, but not fully cooked. Spread preserves over hot crust, then sprinkle berries. Crumble remaining oatmeal mixture over top. Bake again for 20-25 minutes until crust is lightly brown and set. Cool completely.

*Spinach option: Heat 1 Tbsp of water in a skillet and add fresh, clean spinach (1 bag). Wilt over med-high heat for about 1-2 minutes. Puree in a blender or processor until smooth, adding a little more water if needed. Combine 1/2 c spinach puree (or less) with the preserves. Bake as usual. Make sure to cool completely to fully disguise the spinach taste!
Source: Deceptively Delicious Cookbook by Jessica Seinfeld.

Dana's note: I've tried it both with and without the spinach and I have to say that my kids could not tell the difference, even though I could detect a little 'somethin extra' in the spinach version. Brian would've been totally grossed out if he knew what was hiding in these but he ate them up as well!
Hehe...sneaky me.