Paleo Fruit and Nut Bars

from thecavewomanskitchen.com

I made these and LOVED them, even my boys loved them! I used dried pineapple, mangos, cherries and apricots for my fruits and I got a mixture of pecans, almonds, cashews and macadamia nuts. I think next time I might add a little flax seed to the food processor mixture. I baked mine in cupcake tins and they were amazing, however, I loved the crispy top, so Mike and I decided next time I'll do it on a cookie sheet so all of it gets crispy. I figured out the calories for the ingredients I used; for 12 servings, each one was 445 calories, a little higher than I usually try to go for a snack, but I will probably classify this as a dessert anyway- seriously, it was sooooooo yummy! -Kels

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups nuts, divided I used raw, unsalted mixed nuts
• 1 cup dried apples, diced or whatever you like
• 2 cups coconut flakes
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Pre-heat broiler to high. Using a food processor, finely chop 1 1/2 cups of the nut mixture and 1 1/2 cups of coconut. In medium mixing bowl combine whole nuts, finely chopped nuts and coconut dried fruit and coconut flakes. In a saucepan on medium-low heat combine coconut oil, honey, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Cook until the mixture bubbles and is slightly thickened. Pour over nut mixture, and mix well. Pour mixture into parchment lined baking sheet or muffin tins. Cover with parchment and press firmly to compact fruit and nuts. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a couple of dark chocolate chips. Place in oven for 5-10 minutes. Let stand 1 day. Cut into bars and enjoy!