Saturday, January 9, 2016

Fig, Cherry and Coconut Granola Bars!

Great Granola for the New Year!


We had purchased some figs around Christmas time 
and wanted to find a recipe to use them in.
Doug found this recipe and it is re-a-a-a-a-ly good!

This recipe is from Savoring Time in the Kitchen.

Fig, Cherry and Coconut Granola Bars
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup  Kashi cereal
1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
1/2 cup dried figs, chopped
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter such as Skippy Natural
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey - I used half honey and half agave nectar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon salt

Cut to fit and place a piece of parchment on the bottom of an 8" metal baking pan (or 9x13 pan if doubling recipe), leaving 2 ends a little longer for ease of lifting out of pan
Preheat oven to 350.

Spread oats, almonds, sesame seeds and coconut on a large, rimmed baking sheet and toast until everything is lightly browned and fragrant, 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Add cereal, and dried fruits and toss to combine.Combine peanut butter, brown sugar, honey and/or nectar, vanilla, and salt in small saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently, until the mixture bubbles slightly, 2-5 minutes.

Immediately pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix with a spoon until no dry spots remain. Transfer to the prepared pan. Lightly oil your hands and press the mixture down firmly to make an even layer. I also used the flat side of a large spatula to even press the mixture into the pan.

Refrigerate until firm, about 30-45 minutes. Remove slab of bars and cut into even strips and then bars.

 Gather the ingredients.

 Cut the figs into small uniform pieces.

 Cut up the dried cherries also.

 Combine the figs and cherries into a bowl.

 Add the Kashi cereal.

 Combine the cereal and dried figs and dried cherries.

 Toast the oats, almonds, sunflower seeds and coconut on a large baking sheet
and toast until everything is lightly browned and fragrant, 8-10 minutes in a 
350 degree oven.

 Measure brown sugar, honey or agave nectar.

 Combine the sugars and peanut butter and vanilla and salt in a small saucepan.



 Heat mixture in saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring
frequently, until the mixture bubbles slightly, 2-5 minutes.

 Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix with a spoon
until no dry spots remain.

 Transfer to a 9x13 in. baking pan lined with parchment paper.

 Press the mixture down firmly to make an even layer.

 Refrigerate until firm, about 30-45 minutes.

 I am using the recipe holder my friend, Marie, gave me for my birthday.
Thanks, it works great!

Cut into bars and enjoy!
I love the tart bite of cherry with the sweetness of the honey and agave nectar!
We will be making these often.

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