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Love can be expressed in many forms, and every person expresses their love differently. I express my love through food. Where words fail, a cake can fill in. Our language has its limits. Yes, we can say we’re sorry, I love you, or ask for forgiveness, but it’s our actions that make a profound difference. I’m not saying that language is shallow, just that it has its limitations. I have trouble expressing deep sorrow. I feel as if anything I would say is superficial in comparison to the situation. What’s the saying, “Actions speak louder than words?” Whoever came up with that statement knew what they were talking about. Creating something special with your hands is the perfect gesture to let that special someone know that you really care.

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Showing someone you care can be as simple as making something from the heart, which is just what we’re doing today. The lovely Kim from Cravings of a Lunatic and Jen from Juanita’s Cocina asked me if I would join them to help support and raise awareness for cancer and hospice. We’re creating homemade items from the heart to show how much we care.

Today’s event is being hosted by Kim of Cravings of a Lunatic and Jen of Juanita’s Cocina. They teamed up with their blogger friends to help raise awareness and support for Cancer and Hospice today in memory of Kim’s dad. We encourage everyone to read the posts and share their own experiences with cancer. We also would like to encourage everyone to donate to the Canadian Cancer Society, the American Cancer Society and also to the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association. Hospice was a key element during Kim’s father’s battle with cancer. They made it possible for Kim to care for him at home. So please show your support and donate if you can. You can also contact your local Hospice and donate directly to them if you wish. A little goes a long way!

Last year, lung cancer took a very special person from this world. My Uncle Gene. He battled with cancer for a few years and fought like a warrior. In the end, the cancer was stronger. I’ll never forget the time he and my dad ran into the sliding glass door, thinking it was open when it wasn’t, and then trying to walk it off like it never happened and no one just saw their faces smashing into the door. I won’t forget the hat with the green visor that he wore to protect his face from the sun, or the fact that he bought me one just like it. I’ll never forget the spot by the garage where he always sat taking in the scene and the sun. I’ll never forget the good times, parties, and playing horseshoes until the wee late hours of the night. I won’t forget his obsession with the cleanliness of his swimming pool or telling us to “chew, chew, chew” as we ate our food. I’ll never forget the way our faces lit up as he handed over what we knew were scratch off tickets.

Uncle Gene liked the occasional sweet treat (who doesn’t). He would always ask me what I was baking and if he could have some. Any time I made cake, cookies, or brownies, on a plate they’d go ready to be delivered to Uncle Gene. I get the most pleasure feeding others.

Uncle Gene, I carry you with me forever in my heart. You are truly missed. These delicious cinnamon chip cookie butter oat bars are for you.

Cinnamon Chip Cookie Butter Oat Bars | www.themessybakerblog.com-7462

The idea for this recipe came from these very delicious and highly addictive Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Oat Bars by Jessica from A Kitchen Addiction. After making two batches, I thought why not replace the peanut butter with cookie butter and add a generous helping of cinnamon chips. Viola, these bars were born.

Cinnamon Chip Cookie Butter Oat Bars | www.themessybakerblog.com-7464

The outside forms a sugary, crispy crust, while the inside stays gooey and soft. If you’ve never experienced cinnamon chips before, then you must. They’re bursting with deep cinnamon flavor.

Cinnamon Chip Cookie Butter Oat Bars | www.themessybakerblog.com-7465

Your mouth’s dream just came true.

Cinnamon Chip Cookie Butter Oat Bars | www.themessybakerblog.com-7468

I used my KitchenAid Stand Mixer to whip up these fabulous bars. She’s hot pink (raspberry ice to be exact) and beautiful. I call her Lola. I’d be lost without Lola. She makes mixing a cinch and is a definite must-have kitchen tool. Here’s a picture of me and Lola:

My new pink mixer

If you want to expand your kitchen, you’re going to need the right tools. The KitchenAid® Stand Mixer is perfect for all your kitchen adventures, and then some.

***Enter for your chance to Win an Artisan® Series KitchenAid®  Stand Mixer in the color of your choice (there are 26 to choose from) as well as an Ice Cream Maker Attachment. A sweet choice for all,  this creative attachment features the largest ice cream bowl capacity in the industry. Prepare 2 quarts of ice cream, sorbet, gelato or other frozen desserts. We’re pleased to announce the giveaway is open to Canadian residents, as well as U.S. Residents. Winner will be chosen and announced during the pinchatlive event, described below. Winner will also be notified via email and has 48 hours to respond. If winner does not respond, another winner will be chosen. One Stand Mixer and one Ice Cream Attachment are being given away as a group, not 1 per blog, just to be clear for our readers.

There are bonus prizes for the pinchatlive event. We are giving away 1 Vanilla Infused Gift Box Set, 1 Lemon Infused Gift Box Set and a $30 Amazon Gift Card. In order to participate in this event follow the Pinterest Board #recipesfromtheheart. Hop on the Pinterest board on June 22 at 2 pm Est to follow along. We’ll ask questions and those who comment are entered to win the bonus prizes. There will be a G+ Hangout on Air during the event as well. Winners of the pinchatlive event must be Canadian or U.S. residents. Visit Facebook.com/KitchenAidCanada and click on the “More than a Mixer” tab to explore all 12 attachments available for the KitchenAid® Stand Mixer.

Check out the other #RecipesfromtheHeart:
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Home-made Strawberry Topping by Cravings of a Lunatic
Chili Verde by Juanita’s Cocina
S’Mores Brownies in Jars by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Dark Chocolate and Orange Muffins by The Dutch Baker’s Daughter
Boston Cream Pie by Pass The Sushi
My Fathers Day Recipe Round Up by Curry and Comfort
Tropical Smoothie by Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
Mini Gugelhupf by Masala Herb
Sauteed Strawberry and Sugarsnap Salad by Cook The Story
Cranberry Cashew Breakfast Muffins by In Fine Balance
Arugula Salad with Sundried Tomatoes and Mushrooms by Crazy Foodie Stunts
Spicy Beef Sliders by Katie’s Cucina Thai Red Curry Soup by Damn Delicious
Suman (Sweet Rice and Banana Leaves) by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Fresh Vegetable Salad by White Lights on Wednesday
Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Sundae by The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
Cinnamon Chip Cookie Butter Bars by The Messy Baker
Berry/Cherry Fro-Yo Ice Cream by Cookistry
Honey Beer Bread by Hungry Couple
Cinnamon-Chocolate Chip Pancakes by The Spiffy Cookie
Chocolate Cherry Granola Bars by Sweet Remedy
Cookies and Cream Brownies by Cooking in Stilettos
Blueberry Lemon Cake by Roxana’s Home Baking
Angel Cake by Ninja Baking
Knit (or crocheted) Grey Brain Cancer Mustache Pin by Knit, Purl, Damn!

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Cinnamon Chip Cookie Butter Oat Bars

Recipe Type: Cookie, Brownie, Bar
Author: Jennie
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Inspired by A Kitchen Addiction
Ingredients
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room-temperature
  • 1 cup cookie butter, such as Biscoff or Speculoos
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups cinnamon chips
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350. Line a 9 by 13-inch pan with a piece of parchment paper, allowing the parchment to hang over the two longest sides of the pan. Lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In the bowl of stand mixer attached with the paddle, cream together both sugars and butter. Add the cookie butter and vanilla extract; mix to combine. Scrap down the bowl as needed. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Slowly whisk in the flour mixture until incorporated. Stir in the cinnamon chips.
  5. Press the dough into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until just starting to turn golden brown.
  6. Remove to wire rack to cool completely. Lift the sides of the parchment and transfer the bars to a cutting board. Cut into squares. Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

Disclosure: KitchenAid provided us with one stand mixer to give away to one of our readers. All opinions our my own.