Here’s a tasty snack that’s easy to make and very healthy. If you have a food processor, this recipe is a breeze.
In addition to the food processor, you’ll need a loaf pan, 4 inches by 8 inches is recommended. Parchment paper is also a good choice if you want to get these Apple-Date Bars out of the pan. You could also use wax paper.
If you don’t have a food processor, one of those old nut choppers will do if you first coat the tines with some cooking spray. Otherwise you’ll need to do a lot of chopping with your chef’s knife.
From the store or pantry, you’ll need pitted dates, dried apples and chopped walnuts. From the spice rack or cabinet, you’ll need cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg and a pinch of salt.
Combine the dried fruit in your food processor and run on “High” until fine crumbs begin to form, which will take a minute or two. Add your spices and continue processing until a loose dough begins to form. If the mixture holds together when pinched, it’s done.
Line the inside of the loaf pan with the paper. Here’s a tip: spray the pan with cooking spray first; this helps hold the paper in place and make the finished product easier to remove. You want to leave an inch or so of paper sticking over the long sides of the pan to give you something to grab to pull the bars out so you cut them.
Transfer your mix to the loaf pan and press it down, working the mix into the corners and keeping the whole thing flat. Press it well. The better you press it, the more the final bars hold together. Cover with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least two hours, more if you can.
Take it out of the fridge and carefully remove to a cutting board. Cut into 6 bars. Wrap them individually and refrigerate. Now you have an easy healthful snack. If you don’t eat them within a week, and we’re pretty sure that won’t be a problem, store them in the freezer for up to a month.
Now, just what are we talking in regards to nutritional information? Each bar has 116 calories, 6 grams of fat, 16 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of protein.
