Guava Bars

I made these in response to a request from a Colombian coworker for "something guava". Guava paste can usually be found in the international aisle of well-stocked grocery stores. You may find it in a wrapped bar as opposed to a large flat tin; I find that the canned product is better-tasting and more attractively colored than the stuff in the bar, but use what you can find.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Yields: 16-24 bars

Ingredients

• 1  cup  packed light brown sugar
• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 2  cups rolled oats
• 1  cup butter, softened
• 14  ounces cans guava paste (more or less, depending on how thick you like your fruit layer)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Grease a 13x9-inch pan, and line with foil or parchment paper.
3. Lightly grease paper/foil (I use cooking spray) Combine brown sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, and rolled oats.
4. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or two knives until mixture is crumbly.
5. Press half of the crust mixture into the prepared pan.
6. Slice the guava paste into enough pieces to cover the crust within 1/4 inch of the edge, and place in pan.
7. Sprinkle remaining crust mixture over guava paste layer, and lightly press down with the back of a fork or spatula.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes in preheated oven, or until crust is lightly browned.
9. Allow to cool in pan on wire rack before cutting into 16-24 bars (depending on the size bars you cut).