Oatmeal Cups with Strawberry Jam

 Strawberry season is in full force at the farmers' market and fortunately this is corresponding with a bumper crop of thyme in the garden, time to put these both to good use.  I came across a recipe for Oatmeal Tarts recently that were baked in a muffin tin.  I thought they were worth a try since I am always on the look out for a portable breakfast or snack.  These would also make a healthy addition as a summer dessert with an added drizzle of melted chocolate. Don't you think?  This might look like a fussy time consuming recipe but trust me, it came together in about 45 minutes.  I made the jam while the oatmeal cups were in the oven.

Strawberry & Thyme Jam

Oatmeal Cups with Strawberry Jam

Oatmeal cups adapted from  Rainbow Nourishments    

  • 2 bananas or 1 cup mashed banana
  • ½ cup dates, pitted (if they are hard and dry, soak them in water for 2 hours beforehand then drain)
  • 1 ½ cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • ½ cup crumbled walnuts (I used pistachios)
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 160 degrees. (300 degrees F)

Put banana and drained dates in a small food processor and whizz until combined. If you don't have a food processor, mash roughly with the back of a fork. Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix until combined.. Scoop mixture into silicon or non-stick cupcake tins and press gently against sides ensuring there is a thick layer of granola (about 1-1.5 cm thick)Bake in oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden-brown. Remove from oven then cool.

Store tarts in the fridge or freezer until ready to serve. Fill with 1 T of jam per cup. vanilla yogurt topped with pistachios was also good.

Strawberry & Thyme Jam

By Inspired by the Seasons

  • 2 c strawberries, fresh or frozen cut into 1/2" pieces
  • 1 1/2 T honey (more to taste, I like mine tart)
  • 2 T lemon juice
  • 3-5 sprigs of thyme, stems removed

Place all ingredients in a small sauce pan and bring to a boil, turn down to a simmer and stir frequently until it passes the spoon trail test, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a heat proof glass container to cool to room temperature on the counter.  Any unused jam can be stored in the refrigerator. 

Strawberry Jam Tarts
Oatmeal Cups with Strawberry Jam