Fruit and Nut Energy Bars

1 cup whole oats

1 cup pecans

1/2 cup salted roasted cashews

1/2 cup agave nectar or honey

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

5 dried figs, stemmed and quartered

1 Tbsp flax seeds

1 Tbsp canola oil

Zest of one lemon

1 cup dried cranberries, blueberries, or currants

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes or unsweetened shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 325. Line a muffin tin with cupcake papers (or line a baking sheet with parchment paper).

In a food processor combine the oats, pecans, cashews, agave or honey, peanut butter, figs flax seeds, canola oil, and lemon zest until coarsely chopped. Add the cranberries and coconut and pulse until just incorporated.

Scrape mixture into a large bowl and stir well. Divide into 12 muffin cups and press down. (If using a baking sheet make 12 bars or rounds approximately 3/4" thick.) Bake for 25 minutes, until the bars are brown around the edges. Let cool completely in muffin tin or baking sheet. Store in an airtight container.

Makes 12.

From Sue J.