Preheat the oven to 350F
GATHER THESE INGREDIENTS
Fruit Filling
2 1/2 cup dried fruits- we used frozen cranberries, dates and raisins. Use whatever fruit you have on hand. *If using fresh fruit- use 3 cups and reduce the water quantity.
1 cup filtered water
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
Vanilla extract or paste
Base / Top Crisp
1 3/4 cup Canadian oat flakes
1 cup unbleached flour - we used stone ground, organic even better
1 cup softened butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
Pinch of sea salt
HOW TO MAKE
Fruit Filling
Bring the fruit, sugar and water to a boil on the stove in a sauce pan.
Add lemon juice, baking powder and vanilla.
Allow to simmer on medium heat- to soften the fruit and reduce consistency. Should be about 5 minutes.
Stir consistently with a wooden spoon to prevent any sticking or burning.
Use a hand blender or a fork to break apart the fruits.
Remove the mixture from the pot, into a clean bowl and set aside.
Base / Top Crisp
In a bowl combine the oats, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder. Stir until well combined.
Chop the softened butter into cubes.
Add this to the dry ingredients.
Using your hands combine the mixture. Press, ball, and combine the mixture into the butter with the warth of your hands. This takes about 5 minutes until you can bring it all into a dough ball.
Next, assemble into a casserole dish
Line a dish with parchement paper.
Divide the dough. We put 2/3 on the bottom and save 1/3 to crumble on the top.
Press the dough into the pan, evenly.
Spread the fruit filling on top of the dough.
Crumble the rest of the dough on top of the filling.
Place the dish into a preheated oven and bake for 45minutes. The dough should be a lovely brown.
That's it! Store for 3-5 days, or longer in the fridge.
Pre-cut squares freeze well.
Enjoy!
Samantha and Brian.