Date, Raisin, and Apple Bars Recipe from: Heather Miller, Vernon, BC

Packed full of oats, dates, raisins and nuts these bars are already bursting with nutrition and fibre but if you want to make these even healthier...here are some more RV choices for added goodness.

Optional add-ins for extra goodness - Add a handful of flax, chia or hemp seeds in the mixing bowl - this extra nutrition boost means you can feel good about having them as a breakfast bar on those mornings when you need a quick, healthy on-to-go breakfast.

2 cups oat flour (I make this by running oats through my food processor)
1 cup quick oats (or whole rolled oats)
3/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup Thompson raisins
1 1/2 cup Pitted Deglet date (or RV date pieces in oat flour)
1 cup walnuts
2 large baking apples – peeled and then run through processor (or grated)
1/2 cup coconut oil (melted)
1/2 cup water

*Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

First make oat flour by running oats through the food processor until they look like coarse flour, measure 2 cups worth of this “flour” into mixing bowl. Then, into the mixing bowl, add 1 cup of quick or whole rolled oats and the salt.

Now in food processor roughly grind the raisins and add to mixing bowl. Then do the same with the dates – I usually cut the dates in half first and then grind them, sometimes I grind a bit of the oats at the same time as the dates (in batches) as I find that this will help keep the dates from sticking so that they grind up more readily. Alternatively, or if you don’t have a food processor, you can use RV date pieces as they are already ground and can easily be used in baking. Once the dates are roughly ground and added to the mixing bowl, grind the walnuts and add to the dry ingredients. Mix these dry ingredients to combine. Lastly, grind (or grate) the apples and add them to the dry ingredients. Mix. Now to this add melted coconut oil and water and stir until evenly coated.

Use a bit of coconut oil to grease an 11 by 7 inch glass baking pan (or similar size – for example 9 by 9 inch works too). Put bar mixture into the greased pan and press flat. Bake on middle rack in 350 degree oven for 35 – 40 minutes. Once done, allow to cool completely before slicing into squares or bars.

That’s it – enjoy! Perhaps even with a cup of tea from your Grandma’s tea pot. 🙂

• Walnuts – Raw, Halves & Pieces – ORGANIC
• Walnuts – Raw, Halves & Pieces
• Raisins – Thompson, Select
• Raisins – Thompson – ORGANIC
• Dates – Deglet, Pitted
• Dates – Deglet, Pitted – ORGANIC
• Dates – Deglet – ORGANIC