Wednesday, August 19, 2009

WHOLE-GRAIN BLUEBERRY CRUMB BARS

We went to a crab party a few weeks ago. My hubby took some photos in between cooking batches of crabs. That's me in the pink, going for "one more" crab. They were so sweet, meaty and delicious. We decorated the tables with our crab paper and Guy's crab boards, and had a really good time.

I don't know what it is with Guy, but he always gets me in the most dignified poses, like with my mouth open, eating some delicious Mediterranean chicken orzo salad. All the photos are on my other blog, if you want to see them and read more about the party.
It was potluck in addition to the crabs. I brought green bean and radish salad, these delicious blueberry bars, and Peanutty Peanut Butter Bars (recipe to post soon). I used fresh blueberries to make the bars, but frozen would be fine, too. They were just sweet enough for me, and the oats and whole wheat were perfect with the fruit. For you purists out there, adding a touch of cinnamon and cardamom will not destroy the blueberry flavor. In fact, it enhances it. And you will not know you have added spices, because they work in the background. Honest. Try it once and you may be converted. These bars are easy and good and I'll be making them again. I promise you they don't taste of lemon, orange, cinnamon and cardamom. They taste of blueberries.

Whole-Grain Blueberry Crumb Bars
Adapted from allrecipes.com, A. Beavers, Recipe ID 10462
Rating: 9 out of 10
INGREDIENTS:
CRUST: 1 cup sugar
2 cups white whole wheat (or whole wheat) flour, whisked first then lightly spooned into cup
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 tsp. lemon zest
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. sea salt
2 tsp. molasses
1 cup (2 sticks) Smart Balance 50/50 butter blend
1 large egg
Heat oven to 375F. Grease a 9" x 13" pan. In work bowl of food processor, combine sugar, flour, oats, zest, baking powder, salt and molasses. Pulse till well mixed. Cut butter into pieces and add with egg to flour mixture. Pulse till mixture is a crumbly dough, and ingredients are well distributed. Pat half of dough into prepared pan.
FILLING: 4 cups blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
1/2 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. lemon zest
1/ tsp. orange zest
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
In large bowl, combine all ingredients, stirring gently so as not to break the berries. Spoon the fruit mixture over the crust evenly. Crumble the remaining half of dough over the berry layer. Bake about 50 minutes, or till top is nicely browned and filling bubbles. Cool completely before cutting into squares.
These are nice party bars because they can easily be picked up. I had no trouble removing them from the pan either. However, they have a good amount of sugar and fat, so eat sparingly. These are not healthful. They are just a little less harmful because of the whole grains.





13 comments:

Barbara Bakes said...

Looks like a fun party. The bars sound perfect for a summer party!

Denise said...

Looks like my knid of party. Those bars look very summery and delish.

Debbie said...

I love blueberry bars and my husband loves eating crabs. I can never crack mine open without a fuss. He's a pro!

Reeni said...

These are such scrumptious treats! I love the flavors you used with them. Looks like a great party - especially with all the yummy food you made!

Valerie Gamine said...

Judy, your bars look wonderful. I just want to scoop up a piece of that blueberry crumble with my finger!

The food at the crab party must have been fabulous. You look so cute enjoying the fruits of your labor. :)

chow and chatter said...

wow a crab party fun, let me know if you would like to feature any good recipes on a seafood blog I write for love rebecca

Donna-FFW said...

These blueberry bars sound fantastic and you look lovely!

Coleens Recipes said...

The bars look so moist and yummy! We are in the height of blueberry season here and I'm always looking for more recipes. Thanks for posting.

Linda said...

This recipe sounds yummy... I will have to try it...

and you look lovely in the pics...looks like you and your friends had a good time

Kerstin said...

What a fun party! I love the cardamom in the bars, they look addicting!

Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina said...

YUMMMMM! I just bought a ton of blueberries at Costco and they are so HUGE! Thanks for sharing a great recipe; I'll let you know how it turns out. Plus these blue beauties are so good for us! Glad you liked my little video of the NC Blue Grass folks. I've enjoyed being one of your followers!

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

Looks like a fun party. Shame on him for photographing you eating. You looked like you were having a great time. These bars look fantastic and I love blueberries.

I really like your new look on your blog. Gorgeous kitchen. I stopped before scrolling down for a while and enjoyed it.
Sam

Katrina said...

The bars look delicious! Fun to see pictures of you--and having fun at that!