Cherry-Almond Bars

Cherry-Almond Bars

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons ground flax meal
½ cup + 1 tablespoon water
2 cups whole raw almonds
1 cup juice-sweetened dried cherries
1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ cup orange juice
¾ teaspoon almond extract

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly oil an 11" × 7" baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the flax meal with the water and set aside for 10 minutes, or until a gel forms.
In a food processor, combine the almonds and cherries. Process until finely ground. Add the coconut,
orange peel, baking soda, and salt and process until thoroughly mixed. Add the reserved flax mixture,
orange juice, and almond extract and process until the dough is thoroughly mixed.
Spread the dough in the baking dish. The mixture will be sticky. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a
wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a rack. Cut into squares and
serve.
Makes approximately 15 bars
Maple-Pecan Blender Ice Cream
Yes, it’s possible to make ice cream without an ice cream maker, as you’ll discover when you
try this irresistible recipe. Just make sure to use a high-speed blender (1,000 watts or more). I
like to make it with dark, amber-colored maple syrup because its flavor is stronger than lighter
maple syrup. If you can’t find the dark syrup, use what is available, but make sure it’s pure
maple syrup.
TOTAL TIME: 1 HOUR