Fruit & Seed (no nuts!) Bars

These bars are quick, easy, delicious and especially great  for anyone who cannot eat nuts!

Fruit and No-Nut Bar
Ingredients:
1/2 C        Organic gluten free oats
12-15       Organic dates, pitted
1/2  C       Organic, Raw sunflower seeds soaked, then drained *
1/3 C        Organic Raw pine nuts, roasted
1 T           Organic ground flaxseed
1/3 C        Organic raisins
1/8 C        Organic shredded coconut
1/3 C        Gluten & dairy free chocolate chips
1 t           Ground cinnamon
1/2 t        Ground ginger
1/4 t        Ground cloves

Directions:
1. Place oats in a very small bowl and add just enough liquid (water or coconut milk) to cover. Let mixture stand for about 5 minutes, just until liquid is absorbed.
2. Sauté pine nuts in a small pan and “roast” until nuts start to brown… a few minutes!
3. Combine all ingredients, including soaked oats and pine nuts, in a heavy-duty mixer or food processor such as Cuisinart (metal blade) or Kitchen Aid.
4. Pulse all ingredients until well blended.
5. Spread mixture into a lightly oiled 8 inch square pan.
6. Bake in 350° oven for about 15-20 minutes, until edges start to brown.
7. Cool. Cut into desired serving portions.

Yield: 18 servings

* Soaking the seeds makes them more digestible. Place 1/2 cup seeds and 1 cup water in a bowl and soak overnight. Drain. If you’re in a hurry, it’s ok to skip this step.