Sesame Oat Square Bars with Pear Compote

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a square pan with parchment paper and oil the sides of the pan and base.

To make the pear compote: Place all the ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, place a lid halfway over the pot and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the pears are soft when you poke a knife through them. Add in the chia seeds, and stir well. Bring to a boil and then simmer over low to medium heat for another 5 minutes. Once it has thickened a bit, remove from heat and cool for 5-10 mins.

To make the oat base: In a small bowl, mix the chia or flax egg and set aside. In a large bowl, mix the oat base dry ingredients: oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt. In a small bowl, mix the warm Coconut oil, maple extract, almond milk, and chia egg. Stir well. Add the wet mixture to the dry and mix well, using hands if necessary. Reserve 1/2 cup of the mixture for a top. Pour the rest oat mixture onto the square pan and press down with fingers. Pour on pear compote and smooth out. Now sprinkle on the reserved 1/2 cup oat mixture on a top. Then sprinkle on one tablespoon of sesame seeds. Bake for approximately 30 minutes.

Allow to fully cool for at least 30-40 minutes before gently removing from pan. Slice and serve with tea or coffee.