 |
Festive Holiday
Fig Bars
BY THE AMERICAN
INSTITUTE FOR CANCER RESEARCH |
Whichever holiday you may be
celebrating this December, one thing is universal the
innumerable, unrelenting offers of candy, cookies and other sweet
treats. This year, try our alternative. These chewy fig bars
are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while packing far more nutrition
than traditional holiday treats.
Whether at a holiday party
or simply walking through your office, sugar-rich, fat-laden
treats are everywhere. To help control your cravings without
depriving yourself, prepare your own health-conscious offerings
to share with family and friends.
Using whole-wheat flour, as
this recipe does, provides fiber and disease-fighting phytonutrients;
it imparts a heartier flavor too. Toasted almonds offer a source
of heart-healthy fat and add a pleasing crunch. Although higher
in fat and calories than most low-energy-dense plant-foods, when
eaten in moderation, nuts are an excellent addition to any diet.
The real star of this recipe,
however, is the fig. The fruits unique combination of crunchy
seeds and sweet flesh make this dish a stand out among other,
run-of-the-mill holiday confections. Figs provide an excellent
source of fiber, as well as some potassium, calcium and iron.
These fig bars are a perfect
energy-boosting snack when youre on the go. They are particularly
nice to have on hand during the frantic hustle and bustle of
the holidays.

Almond
Fig Bars - Makes 16
servings.
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 Tbsp canola oil
1 tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. orange zest
2/3 cup chopped dried figs
1/3 cup chopped toasted almonds
Canola oil spray
3/4 cup whole-wheat flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 large egg
1/4 cup honey
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly coat an 8-inch square baking pan with canola oil spray.
In a large bowl, mix together
the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, stir together
the egg, honey, applesauce, canola oil, almond extract and orange
zest. Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients
until mixed. Stir in the figs and toasted almonds. Spread the
mixture into the prepared pan.
Bake about 25 minutes, until
a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the bars
in the pan on a wire rack. Cut into sixteen 2-inch squares. Store
in a tightly covered container for two to three days.
|