Easy nut bars

Even if you ‘don’t do baking’ — you can make these; they are very simple.

Ingredients

• 200g walnuts (could use pecans)
• 200g of dried apricots (I’ve also used figs or dates just as successfully)
• 2 eggs
• 1 generous teaspoon vanilla essence
• Cacao nibs or dark chocolate chips (a sprinkle)

Method

1. Line a square cake tin with greaseproof paper.
2. Pre-heat the oven to 160C, gas 3.
3. Whizz the nuts and fruit in a food processor until chunky.
4. Whizz in the eggs and essence without making it smooth.
5. Turn into the tin and smooth over.
6. Sprinkle the chips or nibs on top. Slightly press into the batter so they stick.
7. Bake for 30 minutes until starting to brown.

Leave to cool and cut into bars (8) or smaller portions (12) — could probably get away with 16, but you might end up eating 2 at a time.

They are protein packed with the nuts and eggs, you get a sweet kick from the fruit too.

Can’t eat nuts? Try these nut free versions.