Apricot Oat Bars

This is a recipe from one my favorite chefs, Mark Reinfeld.  I love  taking  cooking classes from him because I always leave inspired!  I was in Denver last weekend and attended a cooking demo he did and it seems he just gets better and better, he is always progressing!  

I made these bars and my hubby loved them and so I brought them in for some of my clients to try and they also have them  a big thumbs up. 

They are sweet, though there is no added sugar and made with whole foods, so they are a perfect way to replenish your energy after a hard workout.

Enjoy!

Ingredients

Topping

  • 1 cup chopped dried apricots
  • 1 cup pitted and chopped Medjool dates
  • 1 ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon zest
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened coconut

Crust

  • ¾ cup raw almonds
  • ¾ cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup raisins
  • ¼ cup packed pitted and chopped  Medjool dates
  • Pinch of cinnamon
  • Pinch of allspice

Instructions

  1.  Prepare topping: Place all topping ingredients, except the coconut in a pan over medium heat. Cook for 15 minutes or so , or until the dates break apart.
  2. Meanwhile, prepare the crust: Place the almonds in a food processor and process until finely ground.  Add the oats, raisins, dates and the spices and process until ground.
  3. Press the crust ingredients into a parchment lined 8x8 inch pan. Forming a crust.
  4. Pour the topping over the crust.  Top with coconut.  Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until it solidifies and then cut into bars.