Recipe: Chewy Walnut Trail Bars (using oats, chocolate chips, dried fruit, coconut and seeds)

CHEWY WALNUT TRAIL BARS

"Baked ahead of time, these nutrition-packed walnut trail bars are the perfect snack for long trips, hikes or even work commutes."



3 cups old fashioned rolled oats, uncooked
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup all purpose unbleached flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1-1/2 cups coarsely chopped California Walnuts
1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup dried apricots
1/2 cup butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup honey

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a 13x9-inch baking pan with parchment.

In bowl, whisk together oats, brown sugar, flour, baking soda and cinnamon. Stir in walnuts, cherries, chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds, coconut and sesame seeds; set aside.

In food processor, process apricots until broken up, about 1 minute. Add butter, process until a paste forms, about 1 minute. With motor running, pour in honey until well blended.

Fold apricot mixture into oat mixture until well combined. Pat evenly into prepared baking pan.

Bake in the center of oven until golden, about 30 minutes. Transfer to rack to cool completely. Cut into bars (12x2 rows or 8x3 rows)

Makes 24 servings
Source: California Walnut Commission