Quinoa Oatmeal Anytime Bar

The end of a long day...but then, it is just the beginning...
Tonight I am celebrating the launch of this blog.  I have been talking about it for weeks and thinking about it for even longer, and now off I go...
I am a mother of two small girls who love treats and I love to bake for them.  And I love to bake vegan!

On this blog I hope to share some of the delicious recipes I have made for my family and friends.  I have with every great intention to keep up with this blog and help anybody who wants to, find a new and healthier way to bake.
Today, my husband and I took our daughters, and met my two sisters and their families, for a day of skiing.  We had a great time!
I had baked and brought to the mountain all sorts of vegan goodies that everybody loved, and most importantly, nourished their exhausted skiing bodies! 
It is the perfect evening to begin this blog.
So here is my very favorite and first recipe that is both vegan and gluten free:

Quinoa Oatmeal Anytime Bar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line an 11x13 baking pan with parchment paper.  (or lightly grease)

In a medium bowl whisk together:

1 cup brown rice flour

1/2 cup quinoa flour

1/2 cup potato or tapioca starch

1 1/3 cup Gluten Free rolled oats  (I use Bob's Red Mill Certified Gluten-Free)

1 teaspoon xantham gum

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg

1 2/3 cups organic light brown sugar

In a separate bowl, combine:

2/3 cup canola oil or light olive oil

2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (use the best you can find... expensive, but worth it!)

Combine the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with a spatula until you get a sticky batter.

Fold in 1/2 cup applesauce as a replacement for egg

Then fold in:

1/2 cup organic dates chopped

1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips (optional, but delicious) or 1/2 cup nuts

Spread the batter in your prepared pan using a wet spatula or even just your wet hands, until the top is smooth. 

Place pan in the center of the pre-heated oven and bake for 22 minutes or until it is golden colored and set and firm to the touch.

Cool on a wire rack.  Cut into squares.  Enjoy warm or after cooling completely, wrap them individually in foil and freeze.  They are amazing frozen or pop them in your bag to defrost for later on the go.

Enjoy!

***The dry ingredients I use are all Bob's Red Mill that can be found at most health food stores