Delicious Fruity Nut Bars

These fruit and nut bars are crisp and chewy in texture, they are full of dried fruits (cherries, dates, and apricots) and nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts), that are held together with a batter that contains no butter or oil, just one beaten egg.
These make a healthy to-go breakfast, a great snack to pack in lunchboxes, or they would be perfect to take along on your next picnic or hike. The added bonus is that they will keep for several weeks when stored in the refrigerator.
This fruit and nut bar recipe calls for dried cherries, dates, and apricots. Now, don't feel you have to follow this recipe exactly, as you can vary the dried fruit and even the nuts as per your own taste. Just keep the amounts the same; that is, 3 cups of dried fruits and 1 1/2 cups of nuts.We are no longer limited to just dried dates and raisins.
Try to buy in bulk from a grocery store or natural food store that has a high turnover. Not only will the fruit be fresher, but you can see, smell, feel, and often taste the fruit to make sure it is fresh and of high quality. Pre-packaged fruit can also be excellent but it is harder to tell the quality of the fruit through the plastic bag.
Make sure to check the expiration date on the bag. Always look for dried fruit that is plump, moist, and has good color.

Fruit and Nut Bars

Ingredients

1/3 cup organic flour
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup sucanat ( organic brown sugar)
1 1/2 cups walnuts (can also use pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds), chopped
1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries
1 1/2 cup dates, figs, and/or prunes (pits removed and cut into quarters)
1 cup dried apricots, cut into bite size pieces
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon organic vanilla extract

Preparation

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and place the rack in the center of the oven. Have ready an 8 x 8 inch square baking pan that has been lined across the bottom and up the two opposite sides with aluminum foil. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Stir in the brown sugar, walnuts, and dried fruit. Use your fingers to make sure that all the fruit and nuts have been coated with the flour mixture.

In a separate bowl, beat (with a wire whisk or hand mixer) the egg and vanilla until light colored and thick (this will take several minutes). Add the egg mixture to the fruit and nut mixture and mix until all the fruit and nut pieces are coated with the batter. Spread into the prepared pan, pressing to even it out.

Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the batter is golden brown and has pulled away from the sides of the pan. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. When cooled, lift the bars from the pan by the edges of the aluminum foil. Use a sharp knife to cut into 16 squares.

Can be stored for about 10 days at room temperature or longer if refrigerated.

Makes 16 - 2 inch squares.

These great bars are wonderful to take along with you if you know that you will be out for a while and will need to replenish your energies.

Enjoy!!!

Sylvie Thibert