Book Talk and Gluten Free Caramel Gooey Bars

Before we get to the gooey bars, let's start with yesterday's activities. The illustrator and I went for an incredible walk followed by Core Fusion with Max. Yes, my 9 (almost 10) year old son did Core Fusion with me yesterday. It was so much fun working out with him. He told me later that his legs felt weird. I told him, "yeah, it's a sneaky workout". Later in the day, he asked if I would workout with him again today. Heck yeah, I love an enthusiastic workout buddy! It was such a great morning!

Then the boys went to see Tron while I did some research and writing at the bookstore. I don't know if I have mentioned it before, but I am working on a cookbook. I know I have told a few of you personally, but I don't know if I have ever typed out the words. I have met so many people that are overwhelmed by cooking and then they find out they can't have dairy or wheat or soy...the list goes on and on. I want to make it easier. I want to share the culinary skills I have from school and the life lessons I have learned about food restrictions...so, I am putting the pen to paper (so to speak). I felt so good actually getting things organized and accomplished! This IS going to be a great year!

Now, for gooey bars. This is an old favorite that my sister originally shared with me. Everyone was talking about the "lucky" foods they were bringing to the potluck and well, no one mentioned desserts. I know there are a few great traditions out there, but...

what better way to start the year than with ooey gooey caramel, oats and chocolate? Um, there is no better way! I decided to go gluten free with them for the first time and I have to say, they worked out really well, but I should have made them the day before. They are perfect yesterday (and now gone) and were a bit softer Saturday night. No worries though, they were loved by all as usual. I just didn't have all the ingredients to make them the day before. So, when you make them, definitely make them the day before. Besides, it saves you time the day of the event.

Gluten Free Caramel Gooey Bars

(for a dairy free version with gluten click here)

1 1/4 c Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free All Purpose Flour

1 1/4 Bob's Red Mill White Rice Flour

2 c Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Quick Cooking Oats

1 1/2 c Brown Sugar, packed (dark or light)

1 t Baking Soda

1/2 t Salt

1 1/2 c Cold Dairy Free Butter (EarthBalance)

2 c Dairy Free Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips (your favorite brand)

12 oz Caramel Sauce(use your favorite recipe - or let me know if you need one)

1/4 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free All Purpose Flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups AP flour, 1 1/4 cups rice flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt.

Cut in butter until crumbly. Set half aside for topping.

Press the remaining crumb mixture into a greased 13 x 9 baking pan.

Bake for 15 minutes.

Sprinkle with the chocolate chips.

Whisk caramel topping and remaining 1/4 flour until smooth. Drizzle over top.

Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.

Bake an additional 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before cutting.

I am currently researching seasonal fruits and vegetables for our food challenge this year. Do you ever think about seasonal foods or do you just eat the same all year around. I will tell you, I almost had a heart attack when I thought I was giving up apples the other day! Can you say food addiction? I mean apples aren't the worse things to be addicted to, but I think I need to work on not being so repetitive with food that I "HAVE" to have something.

For all of you back at work today...I hope you have a great day!