Blueberry Bonanza Bars

Blueberry Bonanza Bars (Adapted from MS Cookies)

For the base

1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted and cooled
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small chunks
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla

For the topping

1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/3 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 1/2 cups blueberry preserves

To make the base

Place cooled almonds in a food processor and pulse until ground. Add flour, sugar, baking powder and salt - pulse until combined. Add chunks of cold butter and pulse just until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a small bowl, whisk togeher egg, egg yolk and vanilla. With the processor running, pour in the egg mixture and process just until the mixture clumps together - do not form a ball. Scoop dough into a 9 x 13" baking dish lightly coated with nonstick spray. Pat dough over the bottom to form an even layer. Place in the refrigerator and chill until firm and cold - about 30 to 40 minutes.

While the base chills, preheat oven to 350.

Use a fork to prick the dough all over. Bake until the edges begin to turn a golden brown - about 25 mintutes. Remove and set on a wire rack to cool while you make the topping.

To make the topping

In a large bowl, toss together rolled oats, almonds and coconut.

In a small saucepan, melt together butter and honey over low heat. Stir in sugar and cook until dissolved - about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in water until combined. Pour over the dry mixture and stir until thoroughly coated.

Evenly spread blueberry preserves over the base that has been cooling - scatter the top with the granola topping. Place back in the oven and bake until the preserves are bubbling and the granola browns - about 30-35 minutes. Remove and place baking dish on a wire rack to cool completely.

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