Desserts > Bars > Middle Eastern Bars

Date and Almond Bars Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt

Special equipment needed:
- Food processor
- 8x8 inch baking dish
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

2. In a food processor, pulse the dates, almonds, and rolled oats until they form a coarse mixture.

3. In a small saucepan, heat the honey, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt over medium heat until the coconut oil is melted.

4. Pour the honey mixture over the date and almond mixture in the food processor and pulse until everything is well combined.

5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands.

6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

7. Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature:
- 350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
- Makes 9-12 bars

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 200 per bar
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of nut instead of almonds.
- Maple syrup can be used instead of honey.
- Rolled oats can be substituted with any type of flour.

Variations:
- Add chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the mixture for a chocolatey twist.
- Use different types of dried fruits, such as figs or apricots, instead of dates.
- Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to press the mixture down firmly in the baking dish to ensure the bars hold together.
- If the mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon of water or more honey to help it stick together.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Storage instructions:
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Reheating instructions:
- The bars can be eaten cold or warmed up in the microwave for a few seconds.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the bars on a platter with fresh fruit and nuts.

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top of the bars.

Pairings:
- Serve the bars with a cup of tea or coffee.

Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad or a green smoothie.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bars are too crumbly, add more honey or coconut oil to the mixture.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients and store the bars in the fridge to prevent spoilage.

Food history:
- Date and almond bars are a popular snack in the Middle East and North Africa.

Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, nutty, and chewy.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the bars as a healthy snack or dessert.

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Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Chewy, Caramel, Caramel-Like