Heart Healthy Blueberry Oat Pie

 By: The Food Hunter

February is American Heart Month, and thanks to their soluble fiber content oats are consistently recommended by doctors and dietitians as a heart-healthy meal or snack. Eaten regularly oats can help manage cholesterol, an important element to reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease.

However, oats aren't just for breakfast. The recipe below combines oats and whole wheat flour to produce a pie crust that is not only simple to make but also somewhat healthy. When it comes to oats my top choice is Bob's Red Mill Organic Rolled Oats.

Heart Healthy Blueberry Oat Pie
2 1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill rolled oats
1 Tbs orange zest
1 1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill whole wheat flour
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 tsp salt
2 sticks butter, cubed & cold
3 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
4 tsp cornstarch

In a medium pot, bring the berries, sugar, and water to a boil, simmer until berries are tender. Whisk the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water in a cup, until the lumps are gone. Then whisk the mixture into the berries. Stir frequently until it thickens. Remove from heat and refrigerate until cold.

In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, sugar, zest and salt. Cut in the butter, using a pastry blender or fork, until it resembles small crumbs.

Press half of the oat mixture into a pie dish. Pour the cold berry mixture over top and sprinkle with the rest of the oat mixture. Bake for 45 minutes at 350F, until the top is golden brown. Let cool before cutting.