I think it has been proven that desserts and sweets play a super, special role in bringing happiness to all. I really find this to be true. Whenever I’m sad, I just throw back a couple of candy bars, and all is well in the world. Yes, we stock up on candy bars. What? You don’t? Gasp! Anyway, today’s post is brought to you by Justine’s (that’s me … duh) sweet tooth. I have been emptying my pantry of all of it’s sweet goodness lately (this includes jars of chocolate spread) by consuming it in large quantities. As I began to run low on all of my pantry’s sweet confections, I knew it was time to restock. Enough was enough already, and so loaded oatmeal cookie bars were born. They are perfectly sweet, and even though this is the dumbest way to think ever, whenever I eat a cookie or bar with oats, I somehow think it’s healthier for me. I know, right. Issues, but pretending is fun. So, I will go on pretending.
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So guess what.
These oatmeal cookie bars are made in one bowl! Woohoo! There is no scooping out cookie dough dollops. There is no special preparation. You add, mix, pour and bake. It’s really that simple. Seriously. My dog could make these bars, and although he is just the cutest thing in the world, he is lacking a few brain cells. He’s so cute though, so who cares.
I also love how these cookie bars keep. They will store for about a week, and I really think they get better with age. No, I don’t mean for you to go and age your bars like you would age a good bottle of balsamic vinegar. That would be a big old bundle of ick, but I do find the bars to taste better the second and third days after baking them. Just store them tightly!
It’s been kind of a slow week. I can’t believe it’s only Tuesday. Is it sad that I am totally ready for the weekend!? Ugh, hopefully the snow will stay away this weekend. Although, I have to say that the mountains look quite beautiful with their snow-covered peaks.
I hope everyone is surviving the week. Have a great evening everyone!
Beer: Crabtree Brewing Company’s Eclipse
Brewed By: Crabtree Brewing Company
Style: American Black IPA
ABV: 7.7%
IBUs: 71.4
Description:Crabtree Brewing Company’s Eclipse is one of the better black IPAs I’ve had in a really long time, and also one of the most balanced! A local brewery found here in Colorado, Crabtree delivers again and again. This black IPA has a perfect balance of hops and malts. Each one plays a special role in not making the beer too bitter or too sweet. These are just a few of the reasons I love it so much. I know that I traditionally go with stouts and porters when it comes to super sweet dishes like this one, but surprisingly enough black IPAs (when they are well-balanced) go very well with sweets as well! As I said, Crabtree is local, but if you can get your hands on a can of Eclipse, I HIGHLY recommend it. If not, any great, balanced black IPA will do just fine.
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5 Responses
Oh I’m so happy your sweet tooth had a say in today’s post. Love oatmeal bars!
Haha, thank you so much, Erin!
If I stocked up on candy bars I would be in BIG trouble. I would eat them constantly! The only time there is an abundance of candy in my house is around halloween. Or when I’m baking. These cookie bars look delicious!
Oh trust me, I’m ALWAYS in big trouble! Thank you so much, Natalie. ;)
These are totally healthy bars Justine! They have oats, whole wheat, eggs, nuts…we’ll just pretend the sugar, butter, and chocolate chips aren’t there. I’m so glad you have a sweet tooth so I can stare at these delicious bars and wipe drool from the corners of my mouth. This weekend looks to be snow free, yay! Bring on the outdoor activities!