Date And Nut Energy Squares

If you're looking for a simple and healthy treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, you should try this recipe. 

I've been buying energy bars from the bulk bins at my local grocery store for the last few months and decided to try making it at home recently since I had most of the ingredients.  

Here's what I used-

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces chopped dates (I used the Amport Foods brand)
• 6-7 dried figs (I used Sun-Maid Mission Figs)
• ¼ cup old fashioned oats
• 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup almonds, toasted
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• 2 tsp flax seeds

Method:

Place all the ingredients in a food processor. Pulse a couple of times until the mixture comes together. Knead the mixture well and press into a foil-lined dish. Refrigerate for a few hours until firm. Cut into bars or squares and serve.

By using different combinations of dried fruits and nuts, you could   come up with a variety of fruit and nut bars.   I've used dried figs and dates here, but prunes or  apricots would  also work well. Some other nuts that could be used in this recipe are cashews, hazelnuts and pecans.

Kaju Katli (Cashew Fudge)

I made this the other night when I was looking for something sweet to round off dinner. I followed Saffron Hut's recipe for quick and easy katlis. Though the original recipe was simple and easy enough to begin with, I simplified it even further by eliminating a few steps. The recipe calls for just 2 major ingredients- cashews and sugar- in addition to a little bit of water. I started making this right after dinner and it was ready in less than 10 minutes (cooling time not included).

Ingredients:
(For 20-22 small pieces)
1 cup unsalted cashews, powdered
½ cup sugar
¼ cup water

Method:
Heat the water and sugar in a heavy-bottomed pan on low heat. Bring the sugar syrup to a boil.

Stir in the cashew powder. Mix well. Cook for 4-5 minutes on medium heat stirring constantly. When the mixture starts to bubble, thicken and pull away from the sides of the pan, it's done.

Line a baking tray with foil and grease well. Pour the mixture onto the tray. Cool for a bit (refrigeration for at least 2 hours is recommended so that it sets nicely) and then cut into squares or diamonds.