Oatmeal Brownies

Ingredients:

For the oatmeal mixture:
2 1/2 old-fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
11 tablespoons butter
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 large eggs

Procedure:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

To make the oatmeal mixture: In large bowl, stir together oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Mix in the melted butter until thoroughly combined. Set aside 3/4 cup to top the batter. Scoop the rest of the mixture into a 9 x 13″ baking dish coated with nonstick spray. Press the mixture down to form an even layer. Bake 10 minutes - remove and let cool 5 minutes.

To make the filling: In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. While the base bakes, heat chocolate and butter over low heat in a medium saucepan, stirring occasionally, until melted. Remove from heat and mix in granulated sugar, vanilla and eggs until combined. Fold in the flour mixture just until combined. Spread filling over the baked base - scatter the top of the batter with the reserved oat mixture. Bake until the center is set and oat mixture is golden - about 30 minutes. Remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely.