Fruit And Nut Bars Recipes

Steps:

• Set a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, making sure the bowl doesn't touch the water. Roughly chop chocolate and place in the bowl to melt, stirring frequently, keeping the heat very low. Chop toasted nuts; using scissors, cut dried fruit into small pieces. Finely chop candied ginger and/or orange peel. Place fruit and nuts into a large mixing bowl.
• Once chocolate is melted and smooth, take it off the heat and stir fruit and nuts into the chocolate. Gently stir to combine so the fruit and nuts are all combined with the chocolate. Line a pan with parchment paper that's been sprayed with a little oil. Sprinkle cocoa powder over parchment and then add the chocolate mixture. Spread it out in an even layer. Dust with more cocoa powder and place another piece of parchment paper on top. Let it cool down and set in the refrigerator, 1 hour.
• When chocolate is set, run a knife around the edge to remove from the pan. Break or cut into pieces to make chunky chocolates.

Steps:

• prepare cookie sheet or jelly-roll pan by lining with foil and spraying with cooking spray; they'll never come out of the pan otherwise!
• preheat oven to 400°F.
• steam dried fruit for about 15 minutes (I like to use Sun Maid Fruit Bits to get a variety and avoid the chopping).
• beat eggs.
• heat eggs and sugar in saucepan until sugar is melted.
• remove from heat and add salt and vanilla.
• add flour 1/2 cup at a time and stir until combined.
• stir in nuts (any kind, I like pecans).
• pour into prepared pan, taking care to fill the corners, the mixture is very sticky.
• bake 15-16 minutes.
• let cool completely.
• turn tray upside down onto cutting board, gently peel foil, then cut into bars.