Apricot, Coconut and Almond Bars

Sharon123's Note:

These bars are packed with fruits and nuts and oats-granola to go! From Food & Wine Magazine(Oct. 2005).

• Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 50 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 16 bars

• 1 ½ cups water
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 ½ cups dried apricots , finely diced (10 oz.)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 1⁄3; cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 ½ cups sweetened flaked coconut (4 oz.)
• ¾ cup almonds , sliced, blanched (2 1/2 oz.)
• 2 ½ cups old fashioned oats
• ½ cup all-purpose flour

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350*F. Butter a 10"x15" cookie sheet.Combine water, sugar and apricots in a medium saucepan.Bring to a boil, and simmer over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the apricots are tender and plump(about 15 minutes). Drain apricots and return to the pan. Add butter, brown sugar, honey and salt and cook until butter is just melted. Transfer to a bowl.
2. Spread the coconut and almonds on separate baking sheets and toast for 6 to 7 minutes, until lightly golden. Stir the coconut and almonds into the apricot mixture along with the oats and flour. Spread the mixture in the cookie sheet in an even layer. Bake for about 25 minutes, until golden. Let cool on a rack, then cut into 16 bars.
3. Note:.
4. The bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reviews

[Deb's Recipes]

These are so good! I made a half-batch which fit perfectly into an 8x8" baking dish. I also substituted chopped pecans for the almonds. The finished granola bars are delicious and really hold together well ~ Thanks Sharon!

[Stardustannie]

YUM!! A great healthy treat for the lunch box. So much nicer than any pre packaged muesli bar. I used shredded coconut as that was all I had on hand other wise followed directions as written. Next time as per request from my daughter I'll reduce the apricots by half and add in choc chips. Thanks for sharing Sharon123!