Fruit and Nut Bars

Very little added sugar and fat - just loads of dried fruit and nuts. From joyofbaking.com

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 16
• Yields: 16 squares

Ingredients

• 1⁄3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1⁄8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄8 teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄3 cup light brown sugar
• 1 1⁄2 cups walnuts, chopped (can also use pecans , hazelnuts, or almonds)
• 1⁄2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 1⁄2 cups dates (pits removed and cut into quarters can also use figs, or prunes)
• 1  cup  dried apricot, cut into bite size pieces
• 1  large egg
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C) and place the rack in the center of the oven.
2. Have ready an 8 x 8 inch (20 x 20 cm) square baking pan that has been lined across the bottom and up the two opposite sides with aluminum foil. Set aside. 9x9 is OK.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
4. Stir in the brown sugar, walnuts, and dried fruit. Use your fingers to make sure that all the fruit and nuts have been coated with the flour mixture.
5. In a separate bowl, beat (with a wire whisk or hand mixer) the egg and vanilla until light colored and thick (this will take several minutes).
6. Add the egg mixture to the fruit and nut mixture and mix until all the fruit and nut pieces are coated with the batter.
7. Spread into the prepared pan, pressing to even it out.
8. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the batter is golden brown and has pulled away from the sides of the pan.
9. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. When cooled, lift the bars from the pan by the edges of the aluminum foil. Use a sharp knife to cut into 16 squares.