Strawberry Matcha Pie Bars

Makes 9 tasty squares

1 cup flour

2 Tablespoons Jade Leaf Matcha

⅓ cup sugar

½ teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons butter, melted

12 oz strawberry jam

+freeze dried or fresh strawberries sliced, optional

Heat the oven to 350°F, and pan-spray an 8-by-8-inch pan.

In a medium bowl, with a sturdy spatula, stir together the flour, matcha, sugar and salt until combined. Stir in the melted butter, mixing just until combined into rocky, green clusters. Using your hands, press all but ¾ cup of the mixture into the bottom of the pan, smooshing to make an even layer that fills it to the corners plus a ¼-inch brim. Set the remaining mixture aside for the top.

Spread the strawberry jam and pieces evenly over the crust. Then scatter (don't press) the remaining matcha crumbs on top to make a loose, crumby top layer.

Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until the crumb topping is matte green and barely golden brown at the edges.

Cool the bars before cutting into three rows of three.