Fruit Bars

June 21, 2010 by Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

Here are some variations on the fig and walnut paste that we’ve been experimenting with, using the same methodology (original recipe is here):

Apricot and almond bar

300g dried apricots
200g whole unblanched almonds
20ml pomegranate molasses
75g brown sugar
splash of water at the start to help the sugar dissolve

. . . . .

Date and almond bar

300g dried dates, soaked briefly in hot water, then well drained
200g slivered almonds
75g brown sugar
20ml date molasses
20ml lime juice

. . . . .

This is such a versatile recipe and we’ve had great fun playing around with it. Please do let me know if you come up with any clever combinations – my friend Maude is going to try a batch with macadamias and dried mango!

Edit: Maude brought one over for me to photograph this afternoon…

Posted in Recipes | Tagged apricots, dates, dried fruit, health bars, homemade fruit bar, pomegranate molasses | 17 Comments

17 Responses

on June 21, 2010 at 2:44 am Joanna @ Zeb Bakes

Beautiful food photos, once again I’m drooling :)
on June 21, 2010 at 4:23 am C

I haven’t any clever suggestions, but if I try these I might go for apricot and cashew nut. They do look really, really good though. I can’t remember who commented last time and said you should sell them but you really could do – I’m sure there’d a market!!!
on June 21, 2010 at 6:59 am Maria

I know I’d like the date and almond bar, dates are my favourite! Looks delicious!
on June 21, 2010 at 8:22 am cityhippyfarmgirl

Mmm the date and almond sounds lovely. I always pick these fruit logs up at the deli and then put them down, as I’m know I would eat them all as I would a banana, (too quick!). Dried fruit and nuts its a ‘can’t go wrong’ combo.
on June 21, 2010 at 8:41 am heidiannie

I’m wondering what would go well with pecans? I’m might try date and pecan. Yours look luscious- I’m thinking it would be very nice for gifts.
on June 21, 2010 at 9:10 am bagnidilucca

It all looks too delicious! I will try them. Thank you.
on June 21, 2010 at 12:26 pm lambsearsandhoney

Good heavens – where do you find all the time?!!
These look great. I’m especially attracted to the Apricot & Almond bar – I love pomegranate molasses!
I have just convinced the Husband that our next trip to Melbourne (in August) should be in the car – to facilitate some serious food shopping, yippee!
on June 21, 2010 at 1:58 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

Jo, if I could send you some, you know I would! :)

C, cashews are the big no-no nut here – those and pistachios are the only really severe nut allergies Small Man has. Though I agree, apricots and cashews would be a perfect combination!

Maria, the date and almond one is very nice, particularly with the date molasses!

Brydie, I remember growing up on those as a kid. And, as Maude reminded me yesterday, on apricot delights…

Heidi, I think the figs would go well with the pecans, since they’re quite similar to walnuts..

Debra, I hope you like them! Please let me know if you come across a good combination of fruit and nuts!

Amanda, they really didn’t take much time – a few minutes blitzing in the food processor, and then another 10 minutes or so on the stove. Then it was just a case of letting them set up.

I sliced these into pieces and gave a mixed box to my mum – a little reminiscent of the date-paste sweets we buy at Harkola!
on June 21, 2010 at 7:46 pm Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella

So many delicious variations. How to choose one how to choose? :D And macadamias would be gorgeous!
on June 22, 2010 at 1:56 am Dan

Ooohh, apricot and almond please. When I was a kid we used to get something similar at the local market. I always loved the apricot ones. I seem to remenber they had coconut in them also and some coconut sprinkled on top. Mmmmm, yum. These really do look so good. You my friend, are brilliant.
on June 22, 2010 at 6:53 am Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

Lorraine, agreed, the macadamias were lovely!

Dan, thanks love. Dessicated coconut would be a great addition!
on June 22, 2010 at 12:03 pm dana

great photos, especially that date-almond bar is giving me the come-hither. i think i might try a date-sour cherry-pecan combo. i love sour cherries in these things.
on June 22, 2010 at 1:07 pm Pete V

Having tasted the apricot, date and fig versions, I definitely vote for the apricot.

Fig was great with runny cheese – not good for the heart but great for the soul.

I preferred the apricot as the pomegranate added some tang which cut back the sweetness of the apricot.

Will have a go at making these soon!

Pete V
on June 22, 2010 at 3:20 pm Choclette

All of these look and sound wonderful Celia – the mango and macadamia combination particularly blissful. Thank you for coming up with such great ideas – I know what folks are going to be getting for Christmas this year.
on June 22, 2010 at 7:08 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

Dana, date-sour cherry-pecan! Wow!

Pete, that’s interesting, my Pete said you’d like the apricot one. I definitely prefer the fig and walnut, but Pete’s with you, he’s a fan of the apricots as well.

Choclette, I’m sure you’ll come up with something clever! :)
on June 23, 2010 at 5:03 am Kitchen Butterfly

If you know how excited I am by this recipes….you’ll be doubly happy! Celia – there are many reasons why I ♥ food blogging – you are one of them!!!!!!!
on June 23, 2010 at 1:53 pm Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial

Oz, you’re a sweetheart, thank you! :) xx