Healthy Snack Monday -- Fruit and Nut Bars

Snack of the Day -- Fruit and Nut Bars

Are your kids just "staaaarrrrrving" when you get home in the evening? (Yes, that is exactly how it sounds. Those of you laughing know EXACTLY what I'm talking about.) Not only do we have to deal with the drama that comes along with being hungry, sometimes it's a struggle to find something that won't ruin their dinner. In my quest of teaching my kids to cook and eat healthy, we came across a recipe in our Kids' fun & healthy Cookbook. My daughter actually picked out this healthy recipe and begged to try it! Check it out on page 20, it comes highly recommended by a kindergartener. Ok, I must admit, I also take these to work with me for a healthy start to the day!! This recipe took approximately 15 minutes to prepare plus 1 hour to chill out in the refrigerator.

Fruit and Nut Bars

Ingredients Needed:

1/3 Cup Hazelnuts
1/3 Cup Whole Oats
3/4 Cup Raisins
1 Heaping Cup Dried Apricots (cut into small pieces)
4 tbsp. Fresh Orange Juice
2 tbsp. Sunflower Seeds
2 tbsp. Pumpkin Seeds

Equipment Needed:

Frying Pan
Spatula
Small Sharp Knife
Cutting Board
Food Processor or Blender
Large Mixing Bowl
Parchment Paper
7" x 10" Pan

Instructions:

Toast hazelnuts, oats, sunflower and pumpkin seeds in frying pan over medium heat for approximately 3 minutes. When it starts to smell delicious and nutty, it's done! Set aside and let cool.

 

In a food processor (or blender), add raisins, dried apricots and freshly squeezed orange juice. Blend until slightly chunky.

Empty puree into a mixing bowl.

Add the toasted mixture into the food processor (or blender). Blend to almost a powder-like consistency. If there are a few chunks, it's alright!!

Add the mixture to the pureed raisins and apricots and blend together.

 

Line a dish (I like to use casserole dishes, but use whatever you have on hand) with parchment or wax paper. Add mixture and press into the dish.

Fold the sides in and chill for at least an hour.

When the bars are set, slice into bars and serve. CONVENIENCE TIP: Wrap the bars individually and include in daily lunches for a healthy dessert!!