This week, I seem to be incapable of cooking a simple meal for myself; I had cereal for dinner 2 nights thus far, and was lucky with every other meal in having leftovers to heat up. Tomorrow, I already have cooking and grocery shopping planned, so I’ll finally get a decent meal in me. Thanks to these bars that I made over the weekend, my breakfasts have not suffered.
- 6 oz. dried apricots (about 36 apricots)
- 2/3 cup freshly brewed black tea
- 1/4 tsp liquid stevia (or 1/4 cup honey)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups oats*
- 1/2 cup pepitas (or any other nut/seed)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/3 cup dried cherries
Preheat the oven to 350ºF, and line an 8×8? pan with parchment paper.
In a small saucepan, combine the apricots and tea. Bring to a boil over medium heat, and then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes.
Transfer the apricots and tea to a food processor, and process the mixture until a smooth paste forms. Add the stevia, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla, pulsing until well combined.
Stir the oats, pepitas, coconut flakes, and dried cherries together in a large bowl. Add the apricot mixture, stirring until evenly coated.
Press the granola mixture into the prepared pan, until flat and even. Bake at 350ºF for 25-30 minutes, until golden. Allow to cool completely before cutting with a sharp knife to ensure they do not fall apart.
Store leftovers in an airtight container.
*If gluten intolerant, make sure to use certified gluten free oats.
adapted from The Pastry Affair