Ancient Grain Fig Date Bars

Since granola is typically a breakfast item in our house, I try especially hard to stay away from processed refined sugars when making or buying it.  This is probably the main reason I’ve steered away from most grocery-store granolas, but last year I discovered Purely Elizabeth Granolas and it’s one of the few store-bought granolas that I buy with enthusiasm.  Purely Elizabeth Granolas are full of nutrient-rich oats, amaranth, quinoa, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, coconut oil, and naturally sweetened with coconut sugar.  I’ve tried to recreate this granola at home, but so far have been unable to successfully replicate it so I treat myself to this store-bought version every once in a while.  Recently Purely Elizabeth announced a recipe contest using their line of Hot Ancient Grain Oatmeal Cereals and I thought it would it be a fun challenge.  I came up with these Ancient Grain Fig Date Bars and I’m so excited to share these with you.  These chewy crunchy little energy bars are made with wholesome ingredients such as almonds, oats, buckwheat, millet, amaranth, flax, quinoa, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and are bound together with softened figs and dates.  Using Purely Elizabeth Ancient 6-grain Cereal adds such a variety of whole grains and seeds and the bonus is that there’s no need to buy and store separate little bags since they are all included in the cereal.  Besides a touch of maple syrup, no other sweeteners are added, but they are plenty sweet thanks to the natural sweetness of the figs and dates.

This recipe was selected as one of the top 15 favorites and the next round is determined by voting.  If you could take a minute and stop by here to vote for these bars, it would make my day.  Thanks to all of you who support me- I wish I could give each of you a big personal hug right now!

Ancient Grain Fig Date Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup Purely Elizabeth Organic 6 Grain Hot Cereal
• 1 cup raw almonds, chopped
• 1/2 cup calimyra figs, about 6 figs
• 1/2 cup medjool dates, about 8-9 dates
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Spread hot cereal and almonds evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until toasty and fragrant. Set aside.
3. While toasting the cereal and almonds, place figs and dates in a small bowl. Pour enough boiling water over the fruit to just cover. Soak for 20 minutes and then drain over a strainer. Do not squeeze water out from figs and dates.
4. In the bowl of a food processor, add the figs, dates, maple syrup and salt. Process mixture until smooth.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted cereal and almonds with the processed fruit mixture. Mix together with a wooden spoon until thoroughly combined. Transfer mixture to prepared baking pan and press firmly with the back of rubber spatula.
6. Bake for 17-20 minutes, until top is no longer sticky. Cool completely before cutting into bars.