Its winter here in Australia and the weather is getting colder. There are times when you feel depressed and unenergetic. You also tend to feel more hungry during the winter season and the craving to munch on something is more. What could be a better snack than some dry fruits?
Dry fruits are traditionally known to be a power house of nutrients. They are a great source to derive energy specially during the winter. They provide you the much-needed nutrients, vitamins and warmth in the chilly winter season. And a topping on that will be to also have some chocolate with that 🙂 I usually make these dry fruit bars as they are healthy and can be enjoyed guiltfree. No added sugar 😉
If you are on this page, then you should definitely try these at home 🙂
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped dates
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1 cup almonds
- 1/2 cashews
- 1/4 cup pepitas
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup dried figs
- 2 tbsp flax seeds
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- Approx 2 cups dark chocolate (you may also use semisweet or milk chocolate)
- 1 tablespoon oil plus more for brushing pan
Method
Brush a square pan with oil and line with parchment (baking paper), leaving a 2-inch overhang on the sides.
In a food processor, pulse 1 1/2 cups walnuts, dates, almonds, cashews, pepitas, dried cranberries, figs, flax seeds and peanut butter until finely chopped and mixture holds together. Transfer it to the pan lined with parchment. Pat it evenly into a 1/2 inch thick square. Refrigerate until firm (around 15-20 minutes.)
Meanwhile, melt chocolate with oil. Drizzle the chocolate over the dry fruit mixture. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.
Once set remove it from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 10 minutes, Then remove from pan using parchment before slicing. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Note: I have used whatever dry fruits I had at home. You can use your choice of dry fruits and adjust the quantities accordingly.
Also personally I feel the dark chocolate goes well with the dry fruits but you can always go ahead and use milk chocolate if you like.
foodieDIPS 