Almond, Oat and Trail Mix Bars

Ingredients

1-7 oz box Odense Almond Paste
1 1/2 cups flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups fruit and nut trail mix*
1 cup quick oats
1 cup chocolate chips
1 stick (4 oz) butter
1 cup light brown sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
*If pieces of trail mix are too large, chop them to be all about the size of a raisin

Almond Paste makes this bar extra dense and rich. Packed with nuts and fruits it is especially good for lunch box snacks or back packers.

25 minutes or less to assemble
30 minutes to bake
Total Time: 55 minutes

1-9 X 13 inch baking dish

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour baking pan.
Grate the Odense Almond Paste (using large hole side of box grater) into a large bowl.
Sift the flour, baking powder and salt on top of the Almond Paste. Mixing well, separate any pieces of Almond Paste that have stuck together (fingers work well for this step.)
Add the trail mix, oats and chocolate chips. Mix well or until all the pieces are coated with the flour. Set aside.
Melt the butter and while still hot, beat into sugar using electric mixer. Beat on high until sugar is dissolved and mixture is smooth (not granular).
Add eggs one at a time beating well between each egg. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Mix the butter/egg mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just incorporated.
Spoon batter into prepared pan.
Bake for 30 minutes or until golden and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.