Loaded with heart-friendly omega-3s, B-vitamins, the antioxidant and anti-infl ammatory vitamin E, as well as potassium, calcium and iron, and with virtually no saturated fat, these Energy Bars provide an excellent compromise
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients for 8 bars
100g self-raising
wholemeal flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
100g dark brown sugar
200g dried cranberries
100g pecans, roughly chopped
200g soft, pitted dates, roughly chopped
1 heaped tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground nutmeg
Grated zest of 2 oranges
2 large eggs
Method
Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4. Lightly grease a silicon bar tray (really worth investing in if you like your energy bars) or a 20cm sq baking tray.
Combine all the ingredients except the eggs in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl or cup, briefly beat the eggs with a fork, then mix with the fruit and nut mixture and stir until everything is coated with the egg.
Spoon equal amounts of the mixture into the bar tray, or pour the whole lot into the baking tray and press down lightly to level off.
Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cake is a deep, golden brown and slightly coming away from the sides of the tray. Remove and place the tray on a wire rack to cool. Cool in the baking tray. When cool, remove the individual bars or cut into squares with a sharp knife.
