Cranberry Fruit and Nut Bar

Thought of the day … “Chemicals, n: Noxious substances from which modern foods are made.” -Author Unknown
Well, today’s recipe isn’t about chemicals… well at least no additives… just four ingredients…
Remember my Newest Experiment, first attempt post when I tried to make a fruit and nut bar and failed [miserably]?
Well… I tried again (actually twice now)… and I think this is pretty good. This time I didn’t use cherries (but will attempt a cherry one next time).
The cast of characters…
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1. In food processor, chop 1/4 Cup cashews. Leave cashew pieces in food processor.
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2. Add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon to cashews and continue chopping cashews and cinnamon until cashews are finely chopped. Pour cashews and cinnamon into separate large bowl. Do not need to rinse food processor.IMG_1925-2010-05-21-06-55.jpgIMG_1929-2010-05-21-06-55.jpg
3. In food processor, chop 1 Cup cranberries to small pieces (maybe a little smaller than a quarter of the original size – does not have to be precise). Dump cranberries in large bowl with cashews. Do not need to rinse food processor.
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4. In food processor, chop 1/4 Cup pitted dates to about the same size as you did the cranberries. Dump dates into large bowl with cashews and cranberries.
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5. Using your hands (you can wear food grade gloves) combine the mixture until well mixed. (I wear gloves)
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6. Divide mixture into fourths and roll each into a ball and work into a log.
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7. Place log on waxed paper and fold wax paper over log. Then work log into bar or rectangle.
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8. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap.
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9. Store in airtight container. You can place in refrigerator to keep longer, but it is not required.
The Offspring like this newest batch better than the Lara bars, that’s a pretty good endorsement (at least for me)…
To get a printer friendly copy of the recipe, go here.

Cranberry Fruit & Nut Bar
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Serving Size: 1 bar
Yield: 4 bars
Ingredients:
1 cup cranberries, dried, sweetened
1/4 cup pitted dates
1/4 cup cashews
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Directions:
1. In food processor, chop cashews. Leave cashew pieces in food processor.
2. Add cinnamon to cashews and continue chopping cashews and cinnamon until cashews are finely chopped. Pour cashews into separate large bowl. Do not need to rinse food processor.
3. In food processor, chop cranberries to small pieces (maybe a little smaller than a quarter of the original size – does not have to be precise). Dump cranberries in large bowl with cashews. Do not need to rinse food processor.
4. In food processor, chop pitted dates to about the same size as you did the cranberries. Dump dates into large bowl with cashews and cranberries.
5. Using your hands (you can wear food grade gloves) combine the mixture until well mixed.
6. Divide mixture into fourths and roll each into a ball and work into a log.
7. Place log on waxed paper and fold wax paper over log. Then work log into bar or rectangle.
8. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap.
9. Store in airtight container. You can place in refrigerator to keep longer, but it is not required.
Per MacGourmet Deluxe v1.2.4:
NUTRITION FACTS
Servings: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 168
Total Fat: 4.09g
Cholesterol: –
Sodium: 55mg
Total Carbs: 34.78g
Dietary Fiber: 2.81g
Sugars: 25.95g
Protein: 1.56g