Berry Bliss Oat Squares

Well I know what you're thinking, how'd did your work out at the gym go!?!? Well... the gym was not graced with my presence last night. Although my sweet husband went to the grocery store and got all of the things on our list, which I was very thankful I didn't have to do after work, I still was starving at 5PM and had a bit of a headache because of it. Also, PK went on a "building rampage" last night and built an entire work bench to place all of his new awesome tools (I'll show you pictures soon). So he was not all geared up to step away from his project to go to the gym last night. But, don't get your panties in a twist, I did work out. But first.... I made this awesome recipe...
 
Berry Bliss Oat Squares
Yield: 12 squares

Ingredients:
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
1 ripe banana, chopped
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp warm water
3 cups regular oatmeal, divided
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 & 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 cup + 3 tbsp (6oz) unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1/4 cup  + 2 tbsp water
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
 
1. Preheat oven to 375F and line a 8inch square pan with two pieces of parchment paper. In a small bowl mix together cornstarch with warm water to form a paste. Make sure all clumps are gone. Set aside.
2. Berry Filling: In a small saucepan, combine the berries, banana, and maple syrup. Bring to a boil and stir well. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and the pre-mixed cornstarch. Whisk until all clumps are gone and set aside.
3. Base: Place 1.5 cups of oats into a food processor and process until a flour/fine powder forms. Add this processed flour, remaining 1.5 cup of oats, baking powder, and salt into large bowl. Stir. Now add in the wet ingredients (applesauce, maple syrup, water, vanilla) and mix well. Pour 2/3 of the batter into the prepared pan and push down firmly with fingers to smooth out. Grab the prepared berry filling and spread over the top of the oat base until smooth. Now crumble the remaining oat base mixture on top.
4. Bake for 30 mins. at 375F or until the top is slightly golden and firm. Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting into squares.

Okay, so while the squares were cooking and cooling I proceeded with my at home work out. This is how it went down...
 
10 minutes - walking on treadmill (while reading Rachel Ray Everyday mag)
(10 minutes - break to take sqaures out of oven, ended up burning my thumb and shedding a tear)
10 minutes - walking on treadmill (while pouting about my thumb)
15 minutes - yoga poses, push ups, abs, plank, etc. (all on my yoga mat in front of the TV) (Ranger thought downward dog was a time to attack me...)
10 minutes - finished up with more walking on the treadmill
 
Again- not super difficult, but at least I was moving for 45 minutes after work, which doesn't always happen! Tonight I'm planning to do a full yoga work out (via DVD).

Happy trails!!