Oatmeal & Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

Breakfast is such a fun meal to plan for! I love fixing healthy, frugal breakfasts. I thought I'd share one of our favorites...Oatmeal Breakfast Bars made with leftover Oatmeal! I got the original recipes from here, but have changed it a bit. My family doesn't really enjoy Oatmeal by itself, so I make a batch of Oatmeal and use it for these Oatmeal Breakfast Bars. It is enough to make 3 batches of bars. I cook up one batch for breakfast, then divide up the leftover oatmeal into two freezer containers and put them in the freezer for another breakfast later on. My kids love these bars...Enjoy!

OATMEAL

3 cups rolled oats (not quick cooking)
3 cups filtered water
2 tablespoons milled flax seeds
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup whole wheat flour

2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1. THE NIGHT BEFORE: In a large plastic or glass bowl, mix up the rolled oats, 3 cups water, milled flax seeds, lemon juice, and wheat flour. Mix well and cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Let sit on your counter over night.

2. THE NEXT MORNING: Dump the mixture into a pot, along with the 2 cups water and sea salt. Bring to a simmer and let cook for a few minutes.

3. Serve the oatmeal with honey or other sweetener, dried fruit and nuts for toppings, along with milk.

Note: If you serve the oatmeal as a meal, then take your leftovers (if you have any) and scoop 2-cup portions into freezer containers.

OATMEAL BREAKFAST BARS

1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup honey
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups leftover oatmeal (from recipe above or your own)
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/3 cup peanut butter (we like chunky)
1/2 cup extras (raisins, chocolate chips, nuts, etc.)

In a large bowl, cream the butter, honey, egg, and vanilla. Add in the oatmeal, flour, baking soda, salt, and peanut butter. Mix well. Stir in any "extras".

Spread into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Notes: These bars are so yummy for breakfast! They would also make a great healthy snack!