Coastal Berry Breeze Bars

History and Origin

The Coastal Berry Breeze Bars, an incredible delicacy from the coastal regions, showcase the unique combination of flavors found in seasonal fruits native to seaside climates. These bars have their roots traced back to coastal communities where berry-picking was both a necessity and a favorite pastime for many generations. Legend has it that these bars were first created by settlers looking to preserve the seasonal bounty in a portable form that could sustain them through long journeys. With the perfect balance of sweet and tart, these bars are ideal for picnics, afternoon snacks, or as a delightful dessert. Today, they celebrate local berries with a modern twist, ensuring both nostalgic tradition and culinary innovation are upheld.

Ingredients

• Oats - 2 cups
• Flour - 1 cup
• Brown Sugar - 3/4 cup
• Butter - 1/2 cup, melted
• Mixed Berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries) - 2 cups
• Lemon Juice - 2 teaspoons
• Cornstarch - 2 tablespoons
• Vanilla Extract - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/4 teaspoon

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir until a crumbly mixture forms. Reserve half a cup of this mixture for the topping.
4. Press the rest of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
5. In a separate bowl, gently toss the mixed berries with lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Ensure the berries are well-coated.
6. Spread the berry mixture evenly over the crust in the baking dish.
7. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the berries.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the berries are bubbling slightly around the edges.
9. Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for easy slicing. For best results, refrigerate before slicing for cleaner cuts.

How to Enjoy Coastal Berry Breeze Bars

These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, making them an excellent choice for warm days by the beach. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. For a refreshing experience, accompany this with a glass of iced coffee or a cold lemonade to balance the sweet tartness of the bars. Perfect for sharing with friends and family during weekend gatherings, or as a satisfying solo treat while watching the sunset.

For timing guidance, feel free to use a cooking timer to track baking and cooling times efficiently.