Fruit and Nut Energy Rounds

Bliss. On a baking sheet. These energy rounds are slightly gooey, perfectly toasty, and satisfyingly chewy. Generous amounts of honey, hints of coconut, and juicy dried cranberries make them addictingly, and yet naturally, sweet. Smooth honey roasted peanut butter and an assortment of nuts balance each bite with a salty, earthy edge. 

These are perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or to fuel a workout. Though they can be stored up to five days in an airtight container, they will definitely not be hanging around that long...

Fruit & Nut Energy Rounds

adapted from 'Food & Wine' magazine

Ingredients:

1 cup whole rolled oats

1 cup pecans

1/2 cup salted, roasted peanuts

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup honey roasted peanut butter

5 dried figs, stemmed and quartered

1 T flax seeds

1 T canola oil

Zest of 1 lemon

1 cup dried cranberries or other currant

1/2 cup coconut flakes

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease a baking sheet. 

In the food processor, pulse the oats, pecans, peanuts, honey, peanut butter, figs, flax seeds, canola oil and lemon zest until coarsely chopped.

Then, add the dried cranberries and coconut and pulse until barely incorporated.

Scrape the mixture into a large bowl and stir well.

Form rounds or bars that are 3/4 inches thick and place on the baking sheet 1" apart.

Bake for 25 minutes, until they are lightly browned on the edges. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing.