The (in)credible science

Eating organic can take a huge toxic burden from your body—and our environment. Did you know that an organic diet can reduce levels of glyphosate by an average of 70%? Eating organic can rapidly reduce pesticide exposure, AND it can also significantly help fight climate change! Organic food comes from soil that has 44% more sequestered carbon, and three times as many earthworms. Organic farming also increases biodiversity by 30% and supports 50% more pollinators when compared to conventional farming.

The Recipe

Ready for your kitchen to smell AMAZING? Chef Megan Mitchell was inspired to create these tasty peanut butter and jam bars with organic ingredients from Simply Organic, Nature's Path Organic and Santa Cruz Organic. After only 30 minutes in the oven, you’ll have fifteen scrumptious bars to share with family and friends!

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp. Simply Organic vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. Simply Organic almond extract
• 1 1/2 cups All Purpose flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. fine sea salt
• 1 1/2 cups Nature’s Path Organic Honey Almond Granola
• 1/2 cup Santa Cruz Organic Light Roasted Peanut Butter
• 1/2 cup Santa Cruz Organic Strawberry Fruit Spread

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly spray an 8x8 high sided baking dish with cooking spray and then line with 2 pieces of parchment paper that overhang on the sides.
2. To a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment add the butter and both sugars. Beat on medium until creamy, about 3-4 minutes. With the mixer on low add the eggs one at a time beating thoroughly before adding the second then add in the vanilla and almond extract and combine until mixed through.
3. In a small bowl whisk together the All Purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder and salt. With the mixer on low slowly add in the dry ingredients and mix until you no longer see any dry bits, about 1 minute. Add in the granola and mix on medium until incorporated, about 30 seconds.
4. Scoop the mixture out into the prepared baking dish. Lightly wet your hands and press out into a flat even layer. Dot the top with tablespoons of the peanut butter and fruit spread, so they randomly cover the top but still leave some of the crust exposed. Swirl some of it into the crust.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until puffed and golden brown around the edges and set in the middle. Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan then carefully remove and let cool fully on a baking rack then cut into 15 rectangle bars.

Recipe Courtesy of Megan Mitchell with generous sponsorship support from Simply Organic, Nature's Path Organic and Santa Cruz Organic.