Baked

Happy Friday! Did you have a good week?

I'm just back from my annual family camping trip, and have these "camp bars" on my mind. Wish I had one, as I'm currently on a BC ferry heading back to Vancouver, from a shoot, and all I can smell is hotdogs, or something like that (not what the doctor ordered). These are so simple to make and are easy to pack for a little camping get-away.

Camp Bars - makes about 12 bars in an 8x12 pan

5 cups puffed cereal (rice, millet, kamut, or wheat. I used millet)
1 cup brown rice flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
pinch of salt
1 cup finely chopped dried fruit (I used apples, peaches, and apricot)
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup almond chocolate spread (or peanut butter or almond butter)
1 cup unsweetened apple sauce
chocolate chips to sprinkle on top (optional, but you should do it:) )

Preheat oven to 350f/180c. Lightly spray an 8x12 pan with oil and line with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together the fruit, flour, millet, cinnamon, walnuts and salt. Add the honey, almond chocolate spread and applesauce. Stir to combine. The mixture should be sticky and clump together nicely. If it's too crumbly, add a bit more applesauce. Spread out the mixture, evenly, in the pan, then sprinkle with chocolate chips (if using). Bake for about 20-25 or until they just come away from sides of pan. Watch that they don't burn. While warm, cut into bars and leave in pan to cool. That's it!

Have a good weekend!
janis