Monday, April 16, 2012

Recipe: Apricot Coconut Almond Bars

Chocolate Apricot-Coconut-Nut Bars (recipe on blog)

I saw this recipe in my my favorite magazine, Whole Living, and knew I had to try it. I've been trying to make 1-2 new recipes every week to add to my arsenal of kiddo/adult friendly fare (see last week's quiche here), and I loved the idea of making my own bars. I also love the idea of having something somewhat healthy yet still sweet to grab rather than a processed granola bar or cereal bar for Henry.

If you end up making these, let me know what you think. I just enjoyed a square with a cup of tea and it was delicious!

Chocolate Apricot-Coconut-Nut Bars (recipe on blog)
Chocolate Apricot-Coconut-Nut Bars (recipe on blog)

You'll need:

1 1/2 cups dried apricots
1/2 cup raw almonds (I used ones that were pre-sliced)
2 Tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted
Coarse salt
1/2 oz dark chocolate, melted (this is optional- if I did it again I would omit the chocolate)
parchment paper
9-by-5-inch loaf pan

Directions:

1. Pulse apricots, almonds, coconut, and a pinch of salt in a food processor until finely ground.

Chocolate Apricot-Coconut-Nut Bars (recipe on blog)
Chocolate Apricot-Coconut-Nut Bars (recipe on blog)
Chocolate Apricot-Coconut-Nut Bars (recipe on blog)
Chocolate Apricot-Coconut-Nut Bars (recipe on blog)
Chocolate Apricot-Coconut-Nut Bars (recipe on blog)

2. Line your loaf pan with parchment, leaving an inch overhand on all sides. Transfer mix to pan and press firmly to form a rectangle.

Chocolate Apricot-Coconut-Nut Bars (recipe on blog)
Chocolate Apricot-Coconut-Nut Bars (recipe on blog)

3. Drizzle with chocolate and sprinkle with some coconut. Use parchment overhang to remove from pan.

Chocolate Apricot-Coconut-Nut Bars (recipe on blog)
Chocolate Apricot-Coconut-Nut Bars (recipe on blog)

4. Transfer to the refrigerator and leave until firm, about 15 minutes or so. Slice into 6 bars, and then into 12 square pieces. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Chocolate Apricot-Coconut-Nut Bars (recipe on blog)
Chocolate Apricot-Coconut-Nut Bars (recipe on blog)
Chocolate Apricot-Coconut-Nut Bars (recipe on blog)

Per serving (1 square): 88 cals; 4g fat (1g sat fat); 0 mg chol, 12g carbs; 28 mg sodium; 2g protein; 2g fiber.

Enjoy!